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Safe and Sound Protocol 

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The Safe and Sound Protocol is an evidence-based therapeutic tool designed to reset the nervous system and return it to safety. Designed to work with other therapeutic approaches and modalities, the SSP features specially filtered music that stimulates the vagus nerve.

 

It is a cutting edge intervention developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, an internationally renowned trauma researcher and neuroscientist, based on his Polyvagal Theory.

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The nervous system is sensitive to sounds to help identify and respond to safety and danger in the environment. Sounds can change the regulation of the autonomic nervous system which is involved in stress reactions. The intervention uses specially filtered music to help regulate the nervous system by resetting autonomic functioning. Our ability to hear and tune to a full range of frequencies maintains the body’s ability to be on alert, or stay calm and socially engaged in the presence of others. Calm states are required for learning, development, relationships and to maintain mood.

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Here is a short video about how the responses to sound work together with the vagus nerve to reduce the activation of your nervous system.

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Research and Evidence 

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The SSP is based on decades of research by Dr Porges into the Vagus nerve and nervous system.  

 

According to two recent Peer Reviewed Studies looking at the SSP specifically (LINKS: Study1, Study2)  found that the SSP reduces auditory hypersensitivities & enhances vagal regulation in Autistic children, as evidenced by:

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  •  Reduced auditory sensitivities 

  • Increased emotional control 

  • Improved auditory processing 

  • Increased vagal regulation of the heart 

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The Safe and Sound Protocol is proven to benefit children with challenges including: 

❖ Poor eye contact 

❖ Difficulties with social communication 

❖ Sound sensitivities 

❖ Behavioral/self-regulation challenges 

❖ Stress/anxiety/emotional difficulties 

❖ Trauma 

❖ Sleep issues 

❖ Sensory issues 

❖ Attention and executive functioning deficits 

❖ Fight or flight tendencies 

❖ Digestion issues/stomach aches 

❖ Oral motor defensiveness (ex.  ingestive behaviors; lack of interest in a variety of foods) 

❖ Difficulties with listening; following verbal commands; speech/language delays 

❖ Distractible; impulsive; meltdowns; hyperarousal

 

Parents report improvements like: 

★Spontaneous social engagement 

★ Reduced sound sensitivities 

★ Improved organization 

★ Spontaneous verbal communication 

★ More expressive verbal communication 

★ Happier disposition 

★ Smiling more

★ Calmer 

★ Self-regulated 

★ Improved ability to understand incoming auditory information 

★ Understanding/following language 

★ Expressive language improving 

★ Less sensitive to touch/movement 

★ Less picky eating

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