The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a sound-based therapy designed to help people with autism improve social communication and reduce sensory sensitivity. It uses filtered music to target the way the nervous system processes sound, aiming to make it easier to engage with others and feel comfortable in different environments.
SSP works by gently training the auditory system to better detect and process human speech, which can support calmer and more connected interactions.
Based on the polyvagal theory, SSP focuses on helping the body shift from a defensive state to one that feels safe for social engagement. This approach may be especially helpful for those who experience auditory overload or find certain sounds overwhelming.
Research suggests that it can lead to measurable improvements in areas like social awareness, listening, and sensory regulation for some individuals with autism.
SSP can be delivered in clinical settings or at home under professional guidance. Sessions typically involve listening to specially processed music through headphones over several days.
While it is not a cure, it offers a structured and non-invasive option that may complement other supports for both children and adults on the autism spectrum.
Key Takeaways
- SSP uses filtered music to help improve sound processing and social engagement.
- It may reduce sensory sensitivity and support calmer interactions.
- The approach can be used with both children and adults under professional guidance.
What Is the Safe and Sound Protocol?
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a listening-based intervention that uses specially filtered music to influence how the nervous system processes sound and responds to the environment. It has been studied in both children and adults, including those with autism, to support communication, social engagement, and regulation.
Overview of SSP
The SSP is a structured program that delivers computer-altered music through headphones. The audio is filtered to highlight specific sound frequencies linked to human speech and social cues.
Sessions are typically 60 minutes or less and may be completed over several consecutive days or spread out over weeks. The protocol is non-invasive and does not require active participation beyond listening.
The approach is based on the idea that tuning the auditory system can help the body respond more calmly to sensory input. This may reduce sound sensitivities, improve attention to speech, and support emotional regulation.
Providers often adapt the pace and delivery to fit the individual’s tolerance and needs, especially for those who are sensitive to sound changes. SSP can be used in clinics, schools, or at home under professional guidance.
Origins and Development
The SSP was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, a neuroscientist known for creating the polyvagal theory. This theory describes how the vagus nerve influences emotional regulation, social behavior, and responses to stress.
Initial research in 2013 and 2014 tested the method in children with autism. These early studies found improvements in auditory processing and reduced hypersensitivities to sound.
Since then, the SSP has been applied to other groups, including adults with autism, individuals with anxiety, and people with functional neurological disorders. Studies have explored its effects on social awareness, sensory processing, and emotional state.
The intervention uses a “bottom-up” approach, meaning it targets basic sensory and nervous system functions first, which may create a foundation for higher-level skills like communication and learning.
Target Audience
The SSP is used with both children and adults. It is most often applied in autism support but can also be used for people with sensory processing challenges or heightened stress responses.
For children with autism, SSP may help with listening, speech attention, and tolerance to everyday sounds. In adults, it has been linked to improved social awareness and reduced situational anxiety.
It is not a stand-alone treatment but is often integrated into broader therapy plans. Professionals such as occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and mental health providers may include it as part of individualized care.
The protocol is generally considered safe, but trained supervision is recommended to adjust delivery for comfort and effectiveness.
How the Safe and Sound Protocol Works
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) uses sound-based stimulation to target specific parts of the nervous system involved in listening, social engagement, and emotional regulation. It focuses on improving how the body processes sound and responds to sensory input.
Filtered Music Technology
The SSP delivers specially processed music through headphones. This filtered music emphasizes frequencies found in human speech while reducing background noise.
The filtering process removes certain low and high frequencies, making mid-range tones clearer. These tones are important for detecting vocal cues such as pitch, intonation, and emotion.
Sessions are typically short and repeated over several days. The gradual exposure helps the nervous system adapt without overwhelming the listener.
By presenting sound in this controlled way, the SSP aims to increase tolerance for everyday noises and improve the ability to focus on voices in noisy environments. This can be especially helpful for people with sound sensitivities or difficulty following conversations.
Middle Ear Muscles and Auditory Processing
The middle ear contains small muscles that adjust how sound vibrations move through the ear. These muscles help filter out low-frequency background noise while making speech sounds easier to hear.
In some individuals with autism, these muscles may not respond as efficiently, which can make it harder to pick out important sounds in busy settings.
The SSP’s filtered music is designed to gently exercise and strengthen these muscles. As the muscles respond more effectively, the listener may experience clearer sound perception and better auditory processing.
Improved auditory processing can support other skills, such as understanding speech, detecting emotional tone, and staying engaged in conversation. These changes occur gradually as the ear and brain adapt to the repeated listening sessions.
Role of Cranial Nerves
Several cranial nerves play a role in hearing, facial expression, and regulating the body’s state of alertness. The SSP primarily engages the vagus nerve and the facial nerve, which are part of the social engagement system described in polyvagal theory.
Sound stimulation through the SSP can influence these nerves by promoting a calmer physiological state. A more regulated state can make it easier to listen, connect with others, and respond appropriately to social cues.
The vagus nerve also affects heart rate, breathing, and digestion. By supporting vagal regulation through targeted sound input, the SSP may indirectly help the body manage stress responses more effectively.
Polyvagal Theory and Its Connection to SSP
Polyvagal Theory explains how the body’s nervous system responds to safety and threat. It links changes in heart rate, breathing, and hearing to social interaction and emotional regulation.
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) uses these principles to target auditory processing and promote a calmer state for social engagement.
Understanding Polyvagal Theory
Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges in 1995, describes how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) supports survival by shifting between defensive and social states.
It identifies three main pathways:
- Ventral vagal – supports calm, connection, and communication.
- Sympathetic – prepares the body for fight or flight.
- Dorsal vagal – triggers shutdown or withdrawal.
This theory emphasizes neuroception, the brain’s unconscious ability to detect safety or danger. In autism, neuroception may be disrupted, leading to difficulty moving from defensive to social states.
SSP uses filtered music to stimulate pathways linked to the ventral vagal system, aiming to improve feelings of safety.
Social Engagement System
The social engagement system is a network of neural pathways that control facial expression, vocal tone, listening, and other cues important for human interaction. It depends on the ventral vagal branch of the parasympathetic nervous system.
When the environment feels safe, this system activates and supports open communication. When danger is detected, defensive systems take over, reducing the ability to listen or connect.
In autism, hypersensitivity to sound or difficulty filtering background noise can interfere with this system. SSP targets the muscles of the middle ear through prosodic (melodic) vocal music, helping the listener better detect human speech frequencies and engage socially.
Autonomic Nervous System Regulation
The autonomic nervous system automatically controls functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion. It has two main branches:
- Sympathetic – activates energy for action.
- Parasympathetic – conserves energy and promotes recovery.
Polyvagal Theory refines this model by adding the ventral vagal pathway, which supports social connection when the body feels safe.
SSP aims to shift ANS activity toward this ventral vagal state. By reducing auditory hypersensitivity and calming physiological responses, it may help adults and children with autism maintain regulated states that support communication, attention, and emotional stability.
Benefits of the Safe and Sound Protocol for Autism
Research suggests that the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) can help people with autism spectrum disorder by supporting sensory processing, improving tolerance to sound, and fostering more adaptive social and emotional responses. These changes appear linked to how the program influences the nervous system and auditory pathways.
Emotional Regulation Improvements
Many people with autism experience difficulty managing emotional responses, especially in stressful situations. The SSP uses filtered music to stimulate the vagus nerve and promote a calm physiological state.
This process can help reduce state anxiety, which is anxiety triggered by specific events or environments. Participants in studies have reported feeling less overwhelmed and more able to recover from emotional stress.
Improved regulation can also support daily routines. For example, better control over emotional reactions may reduce meltdowns, improve transitions between activities, and make it easier to cope with unexpected changes.
Family members have observed greater consistency in mood, fewer intense reactions, and a more balanced energy level after completing SSP sessions. These changes can make social and learning environments more manageable.
Enhanced Social Engagement
Social engagement often depends on the ability to notice and respond to facial expressions, tone of voice, and other social cues. The SSP appears to improve social awareness, which is the ability to perceive and interpret these signals.
In one pilot study with adults on the autism spectrum, the most notable gains were in social awareness. Participants became more responsive in conversations, maintained better eye contact, and adjusted vocal volume more appropriately.
These improvements may result from enhanced sensory processing. By helping the auditory system filter out irrelevant noise, the SSP can make it easier to focus on speech and emotional tone.
Some individuals also reported greater willingness to participate in group activities and engage in shared experiences, which can strengthen relationships over time.
Reduction in Auditory Hypersensitivities
Auditory hypersensitivity is common in autism and can cause discomfort, avoidance behaviors, or distress in noisy environments. The SSP targets the middle ear muscles to improve the ability to process human speech while reducing the impact of disruptive background noise.
Participants have reported better tolerance for everyday sounds such as appliances, traffic, or classroom noise. This can reduce the need for noise-canceling devices or avoidance of public spaces.
By lowering sensory overload, the SSP may help individuals stay engaged in settings that were previously overwhelming. This can open access to more learning, social, and community opportunities.
In some cases, reduced hypersensitivity has also been linked to improved sleep and decreased irritability, suggesting broader benefits for overall well-being.
Sensory Processing and Related Outcomes
Many people with autism experience differences in how they process sensory information, which can affect daily comfort, communication, and participation in activities. These differences may involve sensitivity to touch, sound, or other sensations, as well as challenges with eating habits and digestion.
Targeted interventions can help reduce discomfort and improve function in these areas.
Addressing Sensory Processing Challenges
Sensory processing refers to how the brain receives and interprets input from the senses. In autism, this process can be overactive or underactive.
Certain background noises or textures may feel overwhelming, while other stimuli may go unnoticed. The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) uses filtered music to engage the auditory system and support better regulation of sensory responses.
Some studies report improvements in social awareness and reduced sound sensitivity after SSP use. Structured listening sessions can also help individuals tolerate a wider range of sensory input.
This may lead to less stress in environments such as classrooms, workplaces, or public spaces. However, the degree of improvement can vary depending on each person’s sensory profile.
Tactile Hypersensitivities
Tactile hypersensitivity is a heightened reaction to touch or texture. People with autism may find certain fabrics, tags, or skin contact uncomfortable or even painful.
This can affect clothing choices, grooming, and social interactions. Increased tactile sensitivity often occurs alongside other sensory differences.
A person may also be sensitive to certain sounds or visual patterns. These sensitivities can limit participation in activities that involve close contact or varied textures.
Interventions may include gradual exposure to different textures, use of softer fabrics, or environmental adjustments to reduce discomfort. While SSP primarily targets auditory processing, some individuals report secondary benefits in overall sensory tolerance, which could indirectly ease tactile discomfort.
Selective Eating and Digestive Problems
Selective eating in autism often relates to sensory processing differences. Food texture, smell, temperature, and appearance can influence acceptance more than taste alone.
This can lead to a limited diet and nutritional gaps. Digestive problems, such as constipation or discomfort after eating, are also common.
These issues may be linked to sensory sensitivities, stress, or underlying gastrointestinal conditions. Support strategies include introducing new foods slowly, adjusting preparation methods to preferred textures, and addressing any medical concerns.
Some caregivers and clinicians note that reducing sensory overload in other areas, including through SSP, can make mealtime less stressful and improve willingness to try new foods.
Implementation of SSP in Therapeutic Settings
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) can be delivered through structured audio programs and guided therapeutic methods. Its use often depends on the setting, the training of the provider, and the individual needs of the person receiving it.
Integrated Listening System (iLs)
The Integrated Listening System (iLs) provides the platform for delivering SSP. It uses specially filtered music played through over‑ear headphones.
The audio is designed to target the autonomic nervous system and support improved regulation. In practice, sessions are usually 30–60 minutes.
They may occur daily or several times a week, depending on the treatment plan. The provider monitors the individual’s comfort and adjusts volume or session length when needed.
Typical setup includes:
- iLs‑approved headphones
- SSP music tracks provided through a secure app
- A quiet, low‑distraction environment
Many clinicians use the iLs system in their office, but it can also be delivered at home under professional guidance. This flexibility allows for consistent use while maintaining oversight to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Therapeutic Intervention Approaches
SSP is often integrated into broader therapeutic intervention plans. Occupational therapists, speech‑language pathologists, and mental health providers may combine SSP with sensory integration techniques, social skills training, or emotional regulation strategies.
Sessions may include pre‑listening activities to help the person feel calm and ready, as well as post‑listening discussions to reflect on changes in mood, attention, or body awareness. Some practitioners track progress using sensory processing assessments or behavioral observations.
This data helps determine whether to adjust the listening schedule, add complementary therapies, or pause sessions if discomfort arises. By embedding SSP within existing therapy, providers can address sensory or regulation challenges while supporting functional goals such as communication, participation, and daily living skills.
Safe and Sound Protocol for Children and Adults
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) uses specially filtered music to stimulate the auditory system and support regulation of the nervous system. Its effects can differ between children and adults due to differences in development, sensory needs, and life experiences.
Unique Considerations for Children
Children with autism may experience sensory sensitivities that affect listening, attention, and social interaction. SSP sessions can help them tolerate a wider range of sounds and improve their ability to focus on speech.
Younger children often require shorter listening periods and more frequent breaks. Caregivers or therapists usually remain present to monitor comfort and engagement.
Some children respond best when sessions are paired with activities that promote calm, such as drawing or gentle play. Consistency in the listening environment—quiet space, minimal distractions—can improve results.
Potential benefits for children include:
| Area | Possible Change |
|---|---|
| Social awareness | Better recognition of tone and facial cues |
| Communication | More consistent speech volume |
| Self-regulation | Reduced distress in noisy settings |
Progress may be gradual, and repeated rounds of SSP may be considered if initial gains are modest.
Unique Considerations for Adults
Adults with autism may have long-standing sensory processing patterns that influence how they respond to SSP. They may notice changes in social awareness, listening comfort, or emotional regulation.
Session length for adults often matches the standard 60-minute format, though adjustments can be made based on tolerance. Adults may prefer to use SSP in private or therapeutic settings to better control the environment.
Some adults report reduced anxiety in social situations after completing SSP. Others note improved ability to filter background noise, making conversations easier to follow.
Because adults can often describe their sensory experiences in detail, feedback during the process can guide session pacing and help tailor the program to individual needs.
Research and Evidence Supporting SSP
Studies on the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have examined its effects on social communication, sensory processing, and related emotional symptoms. Research includes small pilot trials in adults and larger observational studies in mixed-age groups.
Reported outcomes vary, but some measures show measurable improvement in specific areas.
Clinical Studies and Outcomes
A pilot study in Japan tested SSP with six adults aged 21–44 diagnosed with ASD. Participants completed five one-hour listening sessions over consecutive days.
The main outcome measure was the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2). Results showed a statistically significant improvement in the Social Awareness subscale of the family-report version.
Other SRS-2 domains did not show significant change. Secondary measures included:
| Assessment Tool | Area Measured | Notable Finding |
|---|---|---|
| CES-D | Depression | No significant change |
| STAI | Anxiety | Correlated with Social Awareness improvement |
| WHOQOL-BREF | Quality of life | Physical health correlated with Social Awareness gains |
| A/ASP | Sensory profile | No major change reported |
Side effects, such as headaches and fatigue, were mild and temporary. No participants discontinued the program.
Long-Term Effects
Some studies have explored SSP outcomes weeks or months after the intervention. In the adult pilot trial, follow-up testing at about one month showed that the improvement in Social Awareness was maintained.
Observational reports in community and clinical settings suggest some individuals retain sensory and social benefits for several months. These include reduced auditory sensitivity and better tolerance of background noise.
However, long-term data remain limited. Most research follows participants for only a few weeks to a few months, and sample sizes are small.
More controlled studies with extended follow-up are needed to confirm durability of effects across different age groups and ASD profiles.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) may not be suitable for every individual with autism. Factors such as co-existing medical conditions, sensory sensitivities, and personal tolerance for structured listening sessions can influence both safety and effectiveness.
Careful screening and individualized adjustments help reduce risks and improve outcomes.
Contraindications and Safety
Some medical or psychiatric conditions can make SSP inappropriate or require close monitoring. For example, individuals with epilepsy, severe hearing loss, or certain cardiovascular issues affecting the autonomic nervous system may face higher risks.
A history of post-traumatic stress disorder or severe anxiety may also require caution, as filtered music can sometimes trigger distress. In rare cases, participants report temporary side effects like headaches, fatigue, or sleep changes.
To reduce risks:
| Safety Measure | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pre-screening assessment | Identify medical or sensory risks |
| Stable medication regimen | Avoid confounding effects |
| Monitoring during sessions | Detect adverse reactions early |
If distress occurs, sessions can be paused or modified. Clear communication between the practitioner and participant is essential to maintain a sense of safety.
Adapting SSP for Individual Needs
Responses to SSP vary due to differences in sensory processing and social communication abilities. Some may need shorter sessions or breaks to prevent sensory overload.
Adjustments can include:
- Volume control within a safe range
- Selecting music with tolerable tone and mood
- Spacing sessions over more days
For individuals with heightened auditory sensitivity, gradual exposure to the filtered music may improve tolerance. Practitioners can also adapt the environment by reducing competing background noise and ensuring physical comfort.
Tailoring the protocol helps align with the participant’s sensory profile and autonomic nervous system regulation needs, increasing the likelihood of meaningful benefits.
Future Directions for SSP and Autism
Research into the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), developed by Stephen Porges, is beginning to address gaps in evidence for adolescents and adults with autism. Studies are exploring its impact on sensory processing, social communication, and emotional regulation while also assessing its safety, feasibility, and long-term effects.
Ongoing Research
Recent pilot studies in adults with autism suggest SSP may improve specific areas, such as social awareness, without broad changes in all social skills. These findings are based on small sample sizes, so larger controlled trials are needed.
Researchers are also examining how SSP affects auditory hypersensitivity and related anxiety. This includes measuring changes in sensory profiles, mood, and quality of life over time.
Future work is likely to focus on:
- Comparing SSP with other sound-based therapies
- Identifying which subgroups respond best
- Testing different delivery formats, such as remote sessions
Long-term follow-up is important to determine if benefits last beyond the initial weeks after intervention. Studies may also investigate combining SSP with other therapies, such as social skills training, to enhance outcomes.
Expanding Access and Training
At present, SSP is delivered mainly by trained practitioners in clinical or therapeutic settings. Access can be limited by geography, cost, and the availability of certified providers.
Expanding training programs for therapists, educators, and allied health professionals could increase availability. This may involve online certification modules, supervised practice, and ongoing professional support.
Remote delivery models, where participants use SSP at home with virtual guidance, are being tested for feasibility and safety. These approaches could reduce barriers for families in rural or underserved areas.
Clear implementation guidelines and standardized protocols will be key to maintaining quality and consistency as SSP use grows in autism support services.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a listening-based intervention that uses filtered music to target auditory processing and social engagement. It is based on polyvagal theory and has been studied for its effects on sensory sensitivities, communication, and emotional regulation in people with autism.
What is the Safe and Sound Protocol and how does it help individuals with autism?
The SSP uses specially filtered music to stimulate the middle ear muscles and improve the ability to process human speech. For some individuals with autism, this may reduce auditory hypersensitivity and support better social awareness.
Changes are often measured through standardized assessments, but results vary between individuals.
What does the Safe and Sound Protocol training involve for practitioners?
Practitioners complete training provided by the program’s developer or licensed organizations. Training covers the science behind SSP, how to deliver the listening sessions, how to monitor responses, and how to adapt the protocol for client needs.
Certification is required to offer the intervention.
Are there any peer-reviewed research studies supporting the efficacy of the Safe and Sound Protocol?
Small-scale studies in adults and children with autism have reported improvements in areas such as auditory sensitivity and social awareness. For example, one pilot study in adults found a significant improvement in the Social Awareness subscale of the Social Responsiveness Scale after SSP.
However, evidence remains limited, and more large-scale trials are needed.
What are the potential side effects or criticisms associated with the Safe and Sound Protocol?
Some participants have reported temporary effects such as headaches, fatigue, or difficulty sleeping. Critics note that research is still emerging, with small sample sizes and limited independent replication.
As with many therapies, individual responses can differ.
How much does it typically cost to undergo the Safe and Sound Protocol?
Costs vary depending on the provider, location, and whether sessions are delivered in person or remotely. Fees may range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars for a full program, which usually includes five listening sessions and related support.
Where can I find a certified practitioner of the Safe and Sound Protocol near me?
Certified SSP providers can be found through the official program website. The website offers a searchable directory.
Some occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and other licensed professionals are trained to deliver SSP. They may offer the protocol in clinics or remotely.
