Abstract of M. Shapiro lecture

RESEARCH:MULTI-SENSORY ENVIRONMENT MSE

(SNOEZELEN) AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF DEVELOPMENT,

RESEARCH AND TRAINING

M. Shapiro

Beit Issie Shapiro, Israel

The Multi-sensory Environment, known as the Snoezelen, is a

combination of controlled multi-sensory environment (the specific

room), in which client-oriented therapy takes place. Initial research

results published in 1997 proved the efficacy of the MSE in reducing

maladaptive behaviors and facilitating adaptive behaviors in children

with developmental disabilities. Follow-up research on the importance

of the sensory environment was published in 2001 when lighting was

assessed for children with developmental disability. The results of this

study proved that simple fluorescent lighting was uncomfortable for

children with special needs and that their behavior improved under

special lighting. In 2005 research on reduction of stress was carried

out proving that sensory adaptation of the physical environment can

reduce stress amongst children with special needs and typical

children. In 2009 a pilot research showed the positive outcome of the

combination of the MSE and hydrotherapy, which resulted in

improvement of behavior and function. What does the future hold for

MSE research, both nationally and internationally? This presentation

will give results of a number of research studies in MSE and will

emphasize the importance of evidence based practice and of sharing

information in order to further develop the field of multi-sensory

approach.