Safe & Sound Protocol for neurodivergent individuals uses specifically filtered auditory stimulation to support nervous system regulation in brains that process sensory information differently. While traditional sensory strategies focus on managing overwhelm after it happens, SSP works at the foundational level to improve your nervous system's capacity to filter and integrate sensory input, reducing the hypervigilance and defensive responses that lead to sensory overload, meltdowns, and burnout.
Our SSP-certified clinical psychologist understands that neurodivergent nervous systems often exist in a state of chronic overwhelm, where everyday sensory experiences trigger protective responses designed for genuine threats. Years of masking, sensory bombardment, and social demands create measurable changes in vagal tone and autonomic regulation. SSP helps retrain these neural pathways, supporting your nervous system's ability to recognise safety and maintain the calm-alert state necessary for optimal functioning and genuine relaxation.
1. Neurodivergent-Informed Assessment
Your initial 60-minute consultation includes comprehensive sensory profiling across all modalities, masking history evaluation, and nervous system regulation pattern mapping. We assess how your unique neurotype affects sensory processing, social engagement, and autonomic function while identifying specific triggers that activate defensive responses or contribute to sensory overwhelm and subsequent shutdowns.
2. Personalised Sensory-Aware Protocol Development
Based on your sensory profile and masking patterns, we design a tailored SSP intervention that respects your nervous system's current capacity and processing differences. This includes determining optimal session timing to work with your natural energy rhythms, volume adjustments for auditory sensitivities, and strategies to prevent overwhelm during the neural retraining process.
3. Accessible Platform Setup and Sensory Accommodation
You'll receive comprehensive instruction on accessing our SSP digital platform with accommodations for executive function differences and sensory needs. We provide detailed written instructions, troubleshooting support, and guidance on creating optimal listening environments that honour your sensory preferences while maximising therapeutic benefit.
4. Graduated Treatment Implementation
Your SSP sessions begin with shorter durations and lower intensities, gradually building your nervous system's tolerance and capacity. We monitor for signs of overwhelm, sensory overload, or increased masking behaviours, adjusting the protocol to support regulation rather than challenge an already stressed nervous system. Sessions typically progress from 5-minute segments to full 15-minute treatments as your system integrates the changes.
5. Integration and Regulation Monitoring
Regular clinical sessions track improvements in sensory tolerance, emotional regulation, and overall nervous system flexibility. We document changes in masking behaviours, stimming patterns, and capacity for social engagement through our biiography platform, ensuring your SSP progress supports rather than conflicts with your broader neurodivergent identity and accommodation needs.
6. Authentic Self-Regulation Mastery
You'll develop sophisticated understanding of your nervous system's authentic needs versus defensive responses, learning to distinguish between healthy self-advocacy and trauma-based hypervigilance. We provide strategies for maintaining nervous system regulation in neurotypical environments while preserving your authentic neurotype, reducing the exhausting need for constant masking and performance.
Clinical Benefits
Quality of Life Improvements