Combination of SSP and focal system benefits child with developmental problems
About the provider
Name: Angeline Tan
Discipline/Credentials: Neurodevelopmental Therapist
Modalities: Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), Focus System, VoicePro, Reflex Integration, Interactive Metronome, Neurofeedback
Customer background
Name: Max (pseudonym)Age and gender: Seven-and-a-half-year-old boy
Program delivered: Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) (SSP Core, hours 1 through 5), focus system (calming, sensory and motor and attention and concentration programs)
Max, now seven and a half years old, began Unyte's therapeutic programs at age five and a half, in addition to starting occupational therapy and speech therapy at age four. According to his provider, Max presents with the following:
- Speech and language delays
- Apraxia
- Coarse and fine motor retardation
- Learning and reading problems
- Auditory sensitivities
- Problems with auditory processing
- Problems with visual processing
- Dyspraxia / motor coordination / vestibular balance problems
- Hypotonia
- Attention issues
- Fear
Implementation of the SSP
With Max, provider Angeline Tan followed a hybrid delivery model (in-person and remote). Max also sometimes had cranial sacral therapy to help with processing and integration after finishing SSP.
Implementation of the Focus System.
In addition to the SSP, the following Focus System programs were delivered:
- Calming program
- Sensory & Motor Program
- Concentration & Attention Program
Treatment implications
After SSP and Focus programs, Max experienced the following changes:
Improved balance
Max could ride a bike and play with monkey bars, which was not possible before. His balance improved remarkably: before, he was unable to stand on one leg on level ground without falling over. Now Max can spend extended periods of time standing on the Focus System balance board on one leg without breaking a sweat.
His occupational therapist also noted that he no longer looks like he has a low tone. His ball skills have improved, from not being able to follow and kick a soccer ball at all to now having no problem with it. His ball-toss skills are also much better.
Improved speech and language
Max's CELF test scores went up significantly. He demonstrated better and more organized verbal communication, as well as an improved ability to read nonverbal social cues, regulate himself and express his feelings and thoughts.
Improved reading and writing
He had reading problems and showed signs of dyslexia, so he was enrolled in classes at the local dyslexia association. He could not read, despite special education teachers teaching him on an individual basis. After the SSP, however, he began reading independently, and subsequent tests showed that he was reading at 82 percent of his peer group. His handwriting also improved significantly, with the time required to write a page of handwriting homework writing was cut in half from 30 minutes to 15.
Improved mathematical skills
Max had weak math skills, which improved significantly after the Focus System Concentration &Attention program. Previously, he could only do arithmetic up to 10 with his fingers and anything with more than 10 fingers was not possible. He is now able to do mental math, which has gone up to the hundreds, and can also multiply.
Auditory sensitivities significantly reduced, improved auditory processing
Previously, Max was unable to enter noisy or crowded restaurants and malls without being triggered into sympathetic excitement and fight-or-flight mode. Now Max can do so without difficulty. Haircuts, which were intolerable because of razor noise, are now a non-issue.
He was previously unable to sing in tune. Now he is suddenly able to sing in tune and shows improved auditory processing.
Reduced anxiety
Max was very anxious and experienced separation anxiety when he was away from his mother. Now he is fine with his mother being away for extended periods of time.
Response family
Max's parents are amazed and grateful to see the changes. Because of COVID-19, Max had not seen his grandparents for almost two years. When his grandparents saw him recently, they were surprised to see such a different version of Max to see.
This treatment has also shown that the combination of SSP and the focal system has the potential to produce phenomenal changes for a child with developmental problems, significantly improving the quality of life for the child and his family is significantly improved.
