Profound multiple disability (PMD)

The BiM method has been developed for children and adults with profound multiple disabilities and a  developmental age of between 0 and 24 months. Nevertheless, it remains difficult to describe exactly  what a profound multiple disability is. There are continuing complex support needs relating to  communication, motor development, sensory information, and health. Intensive support in all aspects of daily life will always be necessary.

Dementia is an umbrella term for more than fifty diseases. These diseases affect the brain and cause a gradual decline in a person’s mental health. With dementia, the nerve cells in the brain deteriorate. In some people, the decline is rapid. Others can continue to lead a reasonably normal life for many years. Eventually, a person becomes severely debilitated by the effects of dementia. 

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by difficulties with movement. Trembling hands are a common symptom. Movements also become slower, and stiffness may occur. A large proportion of people with Parkinson’s also develop dementia. The BiM approach can help to temporarily improve motor function.

Within complementary care, the BiM is a method that contributes to the well-being of people with dementia. The combination of music, personal attention, and essential oils makes BiM an experience-based activity.

For people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the BiM is a method that can be employed in a targeted manner. The music, materials and sequence of a BiM activity are integrated.

Repeating the same BiM activity ensures that participants can predict what will happen. In a BiM activity, the auditory experience – hearing the music – is simultaneously linked to the tactile experience – feeling the music. This can lead to a gradual reduction in tactile hypersensitivity. As a result, physical contact (such as dressing and undressing) and affectionate touch (such as hugging) can gradually improve through the application of the BiM method.

The book ‘The Essential 5’ (Colette De Bruin, 2009) clearly outlines the support needs of individuals  with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The author has summarized the support provided to people with  ASD into five key questions. To facilitate the use of BiM activities with individuals with ASD, these  questions from *The Essential 5* are addressed in the BiM book.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is damage to the brain that occurs in the course of a person’s life. It can  result from trauma caused by an external factor, such as a fall down the stairs or a traffic accident. It  can also be caused by a process within the body, such as a stroke, a tumor, or drug use.

The BiM method can be implemented in a mainstream nursery or primary school. For toddlers, it provides a way to introduce new music and materials. BiM is aligned with their sensory development. With older children, BiM can be used to restore focus so that they can, for example, concentrate better and process sensory stimuli more effectively.

You use BiM as part of a music exploration activity. For toddlers, this is often their first introduction to instruments, new songs, moving to music, and the start of their musical development. The musical experience begins with an introductory song that clearly marks the start of the activity. You then link this to the current theme. Halfway through the lesson, you ask the children to sit on the mat and play the BiM music. You then describe and show the materials you are using, letting them touch the items if appropriate.