Appealing to the senses

Ever feel like life is just overwhelming? Or like you need to relax and focus? Many kids who have autism or other sensory issues feel like that – and then some – all the time. Mercy Behavioral Health, in collaboration with Variety, has opened a therapy room that caters to those sensory needs.

The Mercy Snoezelen® Room, funded by a four-year, $65,000 grant from Variety, offers sensory exploration for patients who often are living with autism, depression, developmental delays or cognitive delays. The 19 pieces of equipment, complete with lights, sounds, textures and even aromas, are specially arranged to provide a safe, therapeutic environment.

The equipment can interact through wireless connections, or one area can be “alive” at a time, to provide a more targeted experience. Most equipment is experienced with the lights dim or off, so the colors of the bubble tube, projector wheel, fiber optics or interactive panels can have the full effect.

Beautiful fish can swim on the walls, giving the illusion that you’re inside an aquarium, and a space seen can be projected on the ceiling. Children can relax in a comfy chair that plays music, or in a leaf chair that sways slightly. With the interactive panels, they’re able to create sounds, trace objects and watch kaleidoscope images.

The room is also full of mirrors, which reflect not only the children themselves, but the lights and images, as well.

The Mercy Snoezelen® Room is the only multi-sensory room or environment in the region, said Patty Morrow, executive director of Mercy Behavioral Health Services. “We’re very grateful to Variety for the opportunity to have this room,” Patty said. “It’s such a unique resource in our community.”

To view more photos of the room, click here. To view a video, click here.