Andreas: Help for Autistic Families in Slovakia

For parents without parents is a project, that gives parents of children with autism an opportunity to gain new strengths. In Autistic center Andreas we organize short time stays for children with autism. During that time their parents can devote their time and energy to their own hobbies and activities.

Since October 2015 to January 2016 we had ten two-day stays for five children with autism. During the stays we offer various therapies and leisure activities to children, e.g. canistherapy, art therapy and Snoezelen therapy. Peter is one of the children spellbound by Snoezelen therapy. This therapeutic approach also helped him.

Peter's story

Snoezelen therapy influences various skills and abilities - it improves cognitive abilities and concentration, develops communication skills, promotes initiative, and brings joy. On top of that we wanted to eliminate a problem this 5-year old boy had. He was terrified of the storm. Peter was fearful and cried every time it rained. All the shades had to be pulled down and Peter always hid under something during rain. In the multisensory environment, where Snoezelen therapy is carried out, we used piano mat to get rid of these manifestations of fear and phobia. Children use their hands and feet to push the keys on the piano where many sound variations can be selected: from human and animal sounds to the sounds of nature, e.g. wind, rain, and thunder. At first, the boy was terrified of the nature sounds and refused them. Then desensitization took place and he wasn't afraid any more. At first Peter held his favourite plasma tube (a sensory toy simulating "lightning") that was very motivational for him, and just listened to the sounds of storm. Later, he started playing the sounds of nature on the piano, and even demanded them from the therapist. He learned to tolerate these sounds in the safe environment of Snoezelen. This behavior was transferred to the home environment as well. Peter does not mind the rain anymore.