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.

This paper is an investigation into the efficacy of four therapeutic treatment procedures increasingly used with people with profound learning disabilities: snoezelen, hand massage/aromatherapy, relaxation, and active therapy (a bouncy castle). In particular, the effects of these procedures on concentration and responsiveness were examined. Eight subjects with profound learning disabilities took part in the study and each subject received each of the treatments. To assess the effects of the treatments, simple concentration tasks were administered and the subjects' responsiveness to each treatment was rated by independent observers. The results suggest that both snoezelen and relaxation had a positive effect on concentration and seemed to be the most enjoyable therapies for clients, whereas hand massage/aromatherapy and active therapy had no or even negative effects on concentration and appeared less enjoyable.

This paper is an investigation into the efficacy of four therapeutic treatment procedures increasingly used with people with profound learning disabilities: snoezelen, hand massage/aromatherapy, relaxation, and active therapy (a bouncy castle). In particular, the effects of these procedures on concentration and responsiveness were examined. Eight subjects with profound learning disabilities took part in the study and each subject received each of the treatments. To assess the effects of the treatments, simple concentration tasks were administered and the subjects' responsiveness to each treatment was rated by independent observers. The results suggest that both snoezelen and relaxation had a positive effect on concentration and seemed to be the most enjoyable therapies for clients, whereas hand massage/aromatherapy and active therapy had no or even negative effects on concentration and appeared less enjoyable.