Safe and Sound Protocol in Autism
Support for stimulus processing and regulation
You are constantly adapting yourself. Filtering, masking, translating, regulating. It takes energy. A lot of energy.
You often know that you behave differently from others. But you also know: it's not a choice. It's how your nervous system experiences the world.
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) was developed for people who do not lack insight or motivation, but where the nervous system processes stimuli differently and has difficulty experiencing (sufficient) safety.
Recognition in autism
People with autism (and parents of children with autism) often recognize themselves in one or more of these experiences:
Autism and the nervous system
In autism, the nervous system is often more sensitively tuned. Stimuli are processed faster, more intensely or less filtered.
As a result, in many people with ASD, the autonomic nervous system is more often in vigilance mode, causing stress activation, overload, or, conversely, withdrawal and shutdown reactions.
That's not weakness. It's neurobiology.
You cannot “train yourself out” of this. The nervous system needs support to:
- Processing stimuli better
- Switch back to rest faster
- Increase safety in the body
- Strengthen regulation
What is the Safe and Sound Protocol?
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a clinically developed listening intervention based on Dr. Stephen Porges' polyvagal theory.
Through specially processed music, the middle ear muscles are controlled, these are directly connected to nerve pathways involved in stimulus processing, stress regulation, social engagement, emotional regulation and recovery.
SSP supports the nervous system to:
- Less likely to slip into overload
- Switch better between tension and calm
- Processing stimuli better
Not by training behavior. But by supporting the basic level of regulation in the body.
Our expertise with SSP and autism
We have been working in health care for over 15 years and have been counseling people with autism for many years. We have counseled more than 1,000 clients online with the Safe and Sound Protocol, including many children, adolescents and adults with ASD.
Recognizing sensitivity
We know how sensitive nervous systems often are in autism and when microdosing is necessary to prevent overload.
Secure integration
We know how SSP is safely integrated within ongoing counseling or therapy, what reactions are normal and when to adjust the pace.
Personal alignment
We do not work with standard programs. We tailor the listening program entirely to sensory sensitivity, carrying capacity and other personal circumstances.
Clients and parents are not alone with us. We are easily accessible and always respond within 24 hours, including weekends when necessary.
What people with autism often notice
Every experience is personal. But in people with autism, we often see changes such as:
Who is SSP in autism for?
SSP can be supportive for children, adolescents and adults with ASD with symptoms such as:
- Over-stimulation and sensory sensitivity
- Stress and exhaustion
- Sleep problems
- Fear and turmoil
- Emotion regulation problems
- Tension complaints
Always as support, not as a substitute for other care.
⚠️ When is the SSP not appropriate?
Safety always comes first. The SSP is not suitable at:
- Active epilepsy
- Psychosis susceptibility or current psychosis
- Bipolar disorder in an unstable phase
- An unsafe home situation
- No safe, quiet listening place
We always assess this carefully during the intake. In these cases, please contact us before you sign up.
What the trajectory looks like
Intake
We carefully identify complaints, sensitivities and goals. That way we know exactly what your unique situation requires.
Personal listening plan
Fully tailored to carrying capacity, stimulus sensitivity and personal situation. No standard program, but customization.
Guided implementation
With ongoing support, accessibility and adjustment when needed. You are not alone.
Integration
We help stabilize changes in daily life so that you get the full benefit of the results.
1000+ Satisfied Clients
Read more about others' experiences with the SSP
We always go for the best result. Meanwhile, we have more than 1,000 clients successfully guided remotely in their journey to a regulated nervous system. The insights we gained from their recovery processes gained, we use daily to refine our guidance.
Privacy & Security First
The privacy and safety of our clients is our top priority. The experiences below have been shared with permission. To maintain privacy and comply with legislation, the names (except those of therapists William and Shahera) have been anonymized and changed to random names.
Why clients choose our counseling services
Clients come to us with a variety of challenges: from burnout and Long Covid to trauma treatment and sensory overstimulation. Below you can read how they have experienced the Safe and Sound Protocol.
Tranquility, Calmness & Self-Regulation
Many clients report a profound shift in how they respond to the world.
“I noticed physical sensations and traumatic memories came up, but this has made me realize that I need to rest. I now have less restlessness and a gnawing sense of insecurity. The realization that it is literally in my body was an eye opener.”
“I really notice a difference. I am calmer and sense stimuli much better. I now notice when I'm tired, something I used to ignore.”
“I used to suffer from social anxiety, sweaty hands and heat attacks in groups. Suddenly I noticed that this was much less. My friend called me ‘another Sophie.’ A burden fell off my shoulders.”
“I often fall asleep while listening to Core, but I wake up with a relaxation I've never felt before. My body feels its own again.”
“I feel much more present and calm. It gives me space to make inner decisions before I react to anything.”
Sleep & Energy Recovery
A restored nervous system often means a dramatic improvement in sleep and energy levels.
“I am calmer and sleep better. My blood sugar has even improved after 6 months of SSP and RRP.”
“I sleep super well (really MEGA happy about it) and my energy levels are better. I am recovering from burnout and can exercise again.”
“The support is unexpectedly good. I'm very emotional during periods, but that's part of it. I continue motivated.”
“Small steps worked well. After just a few days I was calmer and persistent digestive problems improved noticeably.”
“I come from far away. Meditation didn't help, but by shifting my attention to hearing, I regain control of my life.”
Children & Family Dynamics
The protocol affects not only the individual, but often the entire family.
“After three hours of listening, he wets the bed less and is much more attentive. He now knows where he leaves his things, something that was impossible before. He is softer and calmer.”
“Within 2 weeks he was daring new things on the playground. After 4 weeks, he was a different child: he plays, climbs and asks for hugs. Even my husband, who was skeptical, is now a ‘believer’.”
“Family life has not been this peaceful in 10 years. My husband is much more relaxed and our son is cooperative and loving. He says every day now that he loves us.”
“The teacher saw that Leo entered the classroom without tension. His self-confidence grew and his motor skills became smoother.”
Deep Healing & Trauma
For clients with complex trauma (CPTSD) or deep dysregulation, the protocols offer a safe way in.
“What I'm also already noticing is that my awareness is changing. I am more aware of myself. My patterns, strategies, thoughts, etc. That's also a little tiring, but I'm able to sustain it well.”
“I experience more 3D and 4D experience; colors are more vivid. It feels like all my senses are getting ‘juice’ again.”
“Everyone with ME/CFS should know about this. It's a gamechanger. I'm not just lying flat anymore, I can do small exercises again.”
“During a retreat, the floodgates opened completely. I finally felt connected to the group instead of disconnected. RRP led me to a soft, deep inner space.”
“As a Zen practitioner, I find that SSP helps me achieve a calmer state in the midst of chronic Lyme symptoms. I feel more space between a trigger and my response.”
“Emotions flow through it without major disruption afterwards. I feel like I would be a different person if I complete the full five hours.”
Feedback about our guidance
We are here to guide you through the tough moments.
“Thank you for your understanding and extended emails, William. It does me a lot. The dorsal tips were super helpful.”
“I am grateful that I found you and that SSP is now financially feasible. The polyvagal theory is key for me.”
“The contact with you guys is always easy and fun. I really feel supported in this process.”
“Thank you for your support and help. After 4 years of not being able to work, picking up a job again feels like a huge victory.”