Sandra Fornes , Ed.D .

1. Multi Sensory Environment (MSE) Training SENSORIUM 3 Sandra Fornes, Ed.D. Partial proceeds from this training goes to the Hidden Angel Foundation 1

2. * MSE - Theoretical Framework Based on the literature and current research a MSE should be: Artificially created supported by the natural environment Devoted to stimulate all the senses, Safe, comfortable, and predictable, Designed to empower by providing self-choice, Demand-free and choice driven activity – consumer controlled, Passive and interactive, Provide for trained facilitators , Provide of techniques to change brain arousal and motivation 18

3. MSE - Theoretical Framework Artificially created supported by the natural environment. Limitations impeded the ability of an individual to interact with a natural environment in a meaningful way. An engineered environment: a. Helps make interactions meaningful. b. 0ffers more stimuli than the natural environment. c. A child’s natural environment becomes less chaotic as he or she learns how to control sensory input. 18

4. MSE - Theoretical Framework Devoted to stimulate all the senses Adequate multi sensory stimulation of all the senses Produced in sufficient frequency, intensity and duration change brain arousal and motivation Intense periods of sensory stimulation that uses repeated movements, sound, touch, and visual exercises helps slowly create new neural pathways Multimodal stimulation (stimulation of three or more senses) has more dramatic results than unimodal stimulation. 18

5. MSE - Theoretical Framework Safe, comfortable, and predictable Produce an atmosphere of trust. Physical comfort, i.e. temperature, lighting, noise levels, or seating options, must be anticipated for the individuals. Personal space must be honored. A user friendly environment that is constant and predictable for the individual is required to facilitate learning and development. The MSE must be a dedicated space that remains constant and consistent All elements of physical comfort must be anticipated. Control of the temperature, lighting, noise level, seating options and number of people in the room must be controlled for and preset for the individual 18

6. MSE - Theoretical Framework Designed to empower by providing self-choice The individual’s choices are honored and respected If they wish to leave, after any period of time, they can If they wish to explore and stay with one piece of equipment, they can By providing a demand free, self-choice environment an individual is empowered and his/her self-determination enhanced. Self-determination is critical in predicting various performance and satisfaction outcomes and is viewed as a fundamental human right Self-determination contributes to educational and work goals by increasing self-sufficiency, autonomy, and valued life outcomes. 18

7. MSE - Theoretical Framework Demand-free activity MSE used as a non-directive, demand-free, recreational activity and /or educational tool, has therapeutic value. Facilitator acts only as a guide introducing the equipment Studies show no benefits when used as a controlled therapy which makes demands. MSE showed more positive outcomes when used as a demand-free, self-choice activity. No demands are made of the individual, No questions are asked , No directions or instructions are given. No initiating talking to the individual - Silence is observed Speak only when spoken to. 18

8. Are there any rules? Yes • No shoes • No nakedness • No sleeping • No endangering themselves or others • No deliberate destroying of property At any point in time if one of the above occurs, the session stops immediately and the individual is escorted outside.

9. MSE - Theoretical Framework Trained facilitators First stimulus Guides user through MSE experiences Provides warm interaction, guides user toward sensory stimuli and engagement of objects. Facilitator must : Be empathetic and caring, Have an understanding of the user’s sensory interests Know how to introduce stimuli to change brain arousal and motivation 18

10. MSE - Theoretical Framework Techniques to change brain arousal and motivation Three premises to brain arousal and the well-being Central to quality of life is cognition and brain activity and emotional function; (b) The central nervous system arousal is fundamental to all cognition, brain activity, and emotional function; (c) The core to increasing one’s brain arousal is sensory stimulation. Brain arousal is higher in those who are (a) more alert to multi sensory stimuli, (b) more motor active, and (c) more reactive emotionally. Arousal is a dynamic changing process related to direct and indirect responses to internal and external stimuli. 18

11. MSE - Theoretical Framework Techniques to change brain arousal and motivation For a human to be aroused, there must be some change in the environment. If there is change, there must be some uncertainty about the state of the environment. Brain arousal increases with intensity, complexity, novelty, unexpectedness, inconsistency, infrequency, changing environments, incongruence, the unusual. Arousal can be decreased with constancy, repetition, familiarity, and neutrality. The optimal level of arousal is unique to each individual and is based on their sensory needs and interests. 18

12. MSE - Delivery ModelBuilding MSE to Enrich Quality of Life STEP 3 -Techniques to facilitate change in brain arousal. STEP 2 - Facilitator who understands the users sensory needs and guides the user through demand-free, self-choice opportunities to facilitate empowerment and self determination. STEP 1 - Physical space (room design and equipment selection) to provide a safe, comfortable environment with consistent and constant stimulation of all the senses. THE MSE DELIVERY MODEL an engineered environment devoted to simulation of all the senses 18

13. MSE - Delivery ModelBuilding MSE to Enrich Quality of Life STEP 3 -Techniques to facilitate change in brain arousal. STEP 2 - Facilitator who understands the users sensory needs and guides the user through demand-free, self-choice opportunities to facilitate empowerment and self determination. STEP 1 - Physical space (room design and equipment selection) to provide a safe, comfortable environment with consistent and constant stimulation of all the senses. THE MSE DELIVERY MODEL an engineered environment devoted to simulation of all the senses 18

14. MSE - Delivery ModelBuilding MSE to Enrich Quality of Life STEP 3 -Techniques to facilitate change in brain arousal. STEP 2 - Facilitator who understands the users sensory needs and guides the user through demand-free, self-choice opportunities to facilitate empowerment and self determination. STEP 1 - Physical space (room design and equipment selection) to provide a safe, comfortable environment with consistent and constant stimulation of all the senses. THE MSE DELIVERY MODEL an engineered environment devoted to simulation of all the senses 18

15. Our Inspiration Christopher Douglas Fornes (1981-2006) For further information: Sandra Fornesphone: 205-594-4875 fax: 954-252-2522e-mail: info@cdhaf.orgwww.CDHAF.org Christopher Douglas Hidden Angel Foundation (CDHAF) is a registered charitable organization in Canada and the USA. 1