Snoezelen: Its Effects on Concentration and Responsiveness in People with Profound Multiple Handicaps

Abstract

This article is an initial investigation into the effects of Snoezelen on concentration and responsiveness in people who have profound and multiple handicaps. Eight subjects with profound learning disabilities took part. Ratings of concentration were recorded at each session using a simple task. The subjects were also assessed at every fifth session for responsiveness to the Snoezelen environment.

The results suggest that all the subjects except one, who failed to score, responded In some way with improvements in scores. The improvements in concentration were significant for two subjects, moderate for four and minimal for one. The changes in concentration were not always related to the responsiveness/enjoyment in the Snoezelen environment. However, the two subjects who, in general, showed significant improvements in concentration were also rated as being the most responsive to the Snoezelen environment.