1. The Therapeutic Benefits of Sensory Rooms on Disability Populations
Erin Moore & Danielle Saint Victor
Temple University Therapeutic Recreation
1700 N Broad St
Philadelphia PA 19121
The Therapeutic Benefits of Sensory Rooms on Disability Populations

2. What is a Sensory Room?
“Sensory Room is an umbrella term used to categorize a broad variety of therapeutic spaces specifically designed and utilized to promote self- organization and positive change”

3. Sensory Modulation Rooms Sensory Integration Rooms Snoezelen Rooms
Sensory Rooms
Sensory Modulation Rooms
Sensory Integration Rooms
Snoezelen Rooms

4. Sensory Modulation Room
Sensory modulation is a neurological function that allows us to organize sensory information for on-going periods of time
The outcome of this type of room is modulation
Small rooms in long term or acute care units converted into sensory supportive environments
Primarily used for crisis de- escalation and prevention

5. Sensory Integration Room
Sensory integration – the process by which we receive information through our senses, organize this information and use it to participate in everyday activates
Therapy Interventions take place
Used by professionals who are trained in sensory integration techniques
Specific types of equipment designed for sensory integration therapy
Sight
Sound
Smell
Proprioception
Vestibular

6. Snoezelen Rooms
Components of both sensory integration and sensory modulation rooms
Generally used for people who have moderate to profound cognitive impairment
Example: Pervasive developmental disabilities or dementia
Promote relaxation, social interaction and or to provide activities affording intense stimulation
Inter-disciplinary staff with training or certification specific to kinds of equipment
If the

7. Who can benefit from Sensory Rooms?

8. Mental Health Falls under the sensory modulation category
Promotes stress management skills
Used for crisis de-escalation and crisis prevention, patients learn a healthier way to regain self control
A safe retreat
More supportive than seclusion rooms that deprive the senses and invite disorientation

9. Dementia and Alzheimer's
Often use Snoezelen Rooms
Increases their awareness and understanding of their surroundings
Calms aggressive behavior and improves mood
Reduces fear and enhances trust in the people close to them
People with Alzheimer's are often sensory deprived

10. Autism Falls under Sensory Integration
Autism symptoms often include difficulty processing sensory information
Used to achieve sensitivity goals
Develop language/vocalization
Promote social interactions
Improves communication

11. Evidence Based Practice
“Ninety-eight percent of the participants reported a positive change…It appears that the largest amount of change in perceived levels of stress is greatest among individuals reporting the highest levels of distress prior to use of the room.” (Champagne, 2003)
“Interestingly, the number of restraints in this facility has decreased 40 percent during the year of this study.” (Champagne, 2003)
“Observing an increase in patients self-confidence, emotional self- care and well-being.” (Bjorkdahl, 2016)
“The patients used it both as a tool for when they’re already feeling upset and as a preventative strategy when they felt there was a risk of increased stress and anxiety.” (Bjorkdahl, 2016)

12. References
Bjorkdahl, A., Perseius, K.-I., Samuelsson, M. and Lindberg, M. H. (2016), Sensory Rooms in psychiatric inpatient care: Staff experiences. Int J Mental Health Nurs, 25: doi: /inm.12205
Champagne, T. (2003), The Effects of the use of the Sensory Room in Psychiatry.
(2016). Sensory Rooms in Mental Health. Retrieved from innovations.com/clinical-practice/sensory-modulation/sensory-rooms-in-mental-health- 3/
(2014, October 22). Multi-Sensory Environment research influences dementia care. Retrieved from environment-research-influences-dementia-care.page
Wheeland, A (2016). Sensory Integration: Changing the Brain through play. Retrieved from htt:// though-play
(2016). Sensory Integration Therapy. Retrieved from