The Efficacy Of The “Snoezelen” In The Management Of Children With Mental Retardation Who Exhibit Maladaptive Behaviours

Statement of the problem: The 'Snoezelen', a method of treatment hich takes place in a specially adapted harmonious sensory environment, is increasingly being used in the treatment of children who are ment ally retarded. Although therapists are impressed by the results achieved, empirical data demonstrating the effectiveness of this treatment method are lacking. In the present study, we investigated he effectiveness of this method in inhibiting maladaptive behaviour such as stereotypic self-stimulating behaviour (SSB), and facilitating adaptive behaviour. Method: The study was an open, controlled, cross-over design. Twenty children (5-10 years old) moderately or severely developmentally disabled who displayed stereotypic behaviours, received treatment in both the 'Snoezelen' (study treatment) and 'Playroom' (control treatment) over 4 time periods. During treatment their behaviour was recorded by trained observers, both in writing and by means of a video camera, and their ambulatory heart rate was monitored by means of a portable electrocardiogram recorder (Holter). Results: Children in the 'Snoezelen showed a significantly greater decrease in the mean number of stereotypic behaviours (1.6 in the 'Snoezelen' versus 4.2 in the 'Playroom', p <0.001), a significantly greater increase in adaptive behaviours (5.0 in the 'Snoezelen versus 3.3 in the 'Playroom',p < 0.001), and a significantly greater mean absolute percentage change in heart rate in the 'Snoezelen'. Conclusion: The 'Snoezelen' is an effective therapeutic setting for short-term reduction of SSB and facilitation of adaptive behaviours in children with moderate to severe mental retardation. Long-term effects need to be studied.