In the 1970s, two Dutch therapists designed the concept of Snoezelen -- a unique room filled with sights, sounds and smells to stimulate the senses. The word is a contraction of the Dutch verbs "snuffelen" ("to seek out or explore") and "doezelen" ("to relax"). Jan Hulsegge and Ad Verheul originally developed the rooms for people with developmental disabilities. Since then, the rooms have grown in popularity and have been used to help soothe and calm Alzheimer's patients, premature babies, handicapped people and autistic children.

Snoezelen: A ray of hope for brain-damaged children (English)

MIAMI -- On Dec. 5, Angel Pennywell was driving her two young sons to Earlington Heights Elementary School in Miami when a heavy work truck slammed into her 1988 Chevy Blazer and flipped it sideways.

A Room for the Brain

MIAMI (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- In the 70s, two Dutch therapists created Snoezelen, a multi-sensory stimulation room for people with developmental disabilities. Since then, these rooms have popped up all over the world. Studies have shown they help soothe and calm Alzheimer's patients, preemies, handicapped and autistic children. Now, researchers are looking at the rooms effect on children with brain injuries.