Fuller Development helps parents increase their child’s communication skills, self-regulation capacities, and social-emotional development, resulting in happier, more connected children and families.
The Safe and Sound Protocol
how it works
Based on Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) program is derived from nearly four decades of research on the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and social-emotional processes. It is designed to stimulate nervous system regulation by exercising the auditory system with specifically processed music.
The music trains the auditory pathways by focusing on the frequencies of human speech. As the client learns to process these speech-related frequencies, they improve the functioning of two cranial nerves that are important for promoting overall social behavior. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial Nerve) helps clients focus on human voice and tune out irrelevant frequencies. Cranial Nerve X (Vagus Nerve) enables self-soothing and autonomic regulation.
The result is children and adults that more calm, alert, relaxed, sociable, and engaged with the world around them.
administration procedure
The procedure is surprisingly simple, and can be done with children and adults of all ages. The listener will:
Sit in a quiet area
Wear special headphones that carry a range of frequencies
Listen to music (either Disney songs or a selection of contemporary adult pop songs) for one hour
Refrain from much movement or talking during the hour
Pause the music if they feel uncomfortable
Although these are the ideal conditions, with modifications the SSP can even be administered to headphone-resistant children or those who have trouble sitting still.
It can be carried out in our Abu Dhabi Playroom or remotely, in the comfort and privacy of your own home.