The use of a multi-sensory room in a mainstream school

Literature Background

This literature review was conducted to examine the effects of the installation of a multi-sensory room in a mainstream school on other students who do not have special needs . In particular it will assess the definition of a multi-sensory room and the equipments therein how the technique is implemented research supporting the technique in special and mainstream schools factors affecting active listening and research done to promote it effects of the rooms on brain function and psychological evidence supporting the use of the technique . The literature background in these

areas will provide teachers with fundamental information on the effectiveness of this method in mainstream schools and their effects on other children who do not have special needs

1 .1 Definition of Multi-sensory Rooms

A multisensory room also known `Snoezelen rooms ' was first developed in the 1970s in the Netherlands . The original idea focused on individuals with complex sensory and educational disabilities by developing activities which would enhance their sensory experiences through the use of relaxation and leisure facilities (Baines , 2008 :22 . Therefore , a multi-sensory room can be defined as a special room that brings together equipment in a single place to stimulate the senses (taste , smell touch , sight and sound ) in a controlled setting . The room and its equipment are designed to create an atmosphere that is stimulating yet calming (Fowler , 2008 :13

Over the years the concept has evolved and developed to include an array of environments with a wide range of stimulations for people with a...