Sensory processing

Sensory processing difficulties, also known as sensory processing disorder (SPD) or sensory integration dysfunction, occur when the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes through the senses. This can manifest in various ways, such as hypersensitivity to noise, light, or touch, as well as difficulties with coordination, attention, and emotional regulation. For those living with sensory processing difficulties, daily life can often feel like braving a storm of overwhelming sensations. Everyday tasks such as food shopping and social gatherings can feel like daunting challenges, leading to stress, anxiety and sometimes avoidance behaviours.

Traditional approaches to therapy and intervention have been helpful to some extent, but there remains a need for more targeted and effective solutions.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) addresses auditory hypersensitivities and auditory processing difficulties by using specially filtered music to gently stimulate the middle ear muscles, which in turn exercises the neural pathways involved in regulating the autonomic nervous system. It works by delivering specific auditory stimuli in a systematic way, gradually helping the individual to regulate their physiological state and improve their ability to process sensory information. Through this process, SSP aims to recalibrate the body’s response to sensory input, leading to reduced stress, improved attention, and enhanced social engagement.

People with sensory processing difficulties may experience the following benefits from the SSP:

Reduced Sensory Overload: The SSP helps people to better tolerate and filter sensory input, leading to decreased hypersensitivity to sounds, lights, and other stimuli.

Improved Emotional Regulation: By regulating the autonomic nervous system, the SSP can help individuals better manage their emotional responses, reducing anxiety and meltdowns.

Enhanced Social Engagement: Many individuals with sensory processing difficulties struggle with social interactions due to sensory overload. The SSP helps improve social engagement by promoting a calmer and more regulated nervous system.

Increased Attention and Focus: By promoting a state of calm alertness, the SSP can enhance attention and concentration, making it easier for individuals to participate in daily activities and learning environments.

If you are an adult suffering from sensory processing difficulties, please do get in touch to explore how the SSP can help you.