Reason #3 for attending The Conference on helping individuals with special needs: A Discussion of the Benefits and Positive Outcomes of MSE

THE MANY BENEFITS OF MULTI SENSORY ENVIRONMENTS

Research has shown that MSE can improve the health, social well-being and quality of life of persons with severe and profound intellectual disabilities. The level of performance achieved by an individual is a reflection of the stimulation and opportunities afforded the individual by his or her environment. Multi sensory stimulation that is produced in sufficient frequency, intensity, and duration increases brain arousal leading to a more organized brain that permits increased functional activity and learning. Multi sensory environments provide alternative and meaningful forms of sensory stimulation for individuals who have previously been isolated in their perceptual disabilities, providing new ways of encouraging learning, motor development, cognitive development, language, and social interaction skills. Multi Sensory Environments (MSE) have been shown to increase awareness, brain arousal, exploration of one’s environment, choice, mental and physical relaxation, enjoyment, and improved social well-being and quality of life.

WHY IS SENSORY STIMULATION IMPORTANT

We live our lives through our senses. Sensory organs are the window to the brain. The maturation of one’s nervous system continues to develop during the first six years of life and is dependent upon the successful stimulation of the nervous system via sensory organs. The constant stream of data obtained through our senses helps the brain to interpret our surroundings, giving us vital tools to survive and thrive. On a daily and moment-by-moment basis, multi sensory experiences affect our motivation, attitudes, emotions, learning, physical activities, and our very being. It is through our senses that we learn and develop an understanding of our environment. Any form of disturbance that disrupts a person’s interaction with the environment may impede development and/or enjoyment of life. People with limitations of movement, vision, hearing, cognitive ability, constrained space, behavioral and comprehension difficulties, perception issues, or pain never experience interactions with their environment and are limited to the sensory input that we take for granted. It is difficult for these individuals to create their own optimal environment or sensory experience as their world is often narrow, confined, and in most cases controlled for them. This limited sensory awareness and stimulation not only affects children’s learning abilities, but also disadvantages their quality of life.

For more information on the conference: www.isna2010.org

For more information on the Hidden Angel Foundation: www.cdhaf.org

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