Adrienne Woods discusses a therapeutic intervention that can enhance the care of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities

Children and adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities and complex needs can benefit physically and emotionally from multisensory relaxation sessions in which sound therapy and massage are used to encourage relaxation and wellbeing. The author of this article, a trained nurse and sound therapist, has developed an innovative approach to relaxation in which therapeutic sounds and touch are used in combination. The sessions have been facilitated successfully in a variety of learning disability services including special needs schools, learning disability NHS day services and social services day centres.