The SSP listening is typically done in 30-60 minutes increments consecutively. The schedule for listening is dependent on the client’s history, sensitivity, emotional reactivity, behavioral regulation and how well they tolerate the listening sessions. In some cases, it is beneficial to slow down the intervention to shorter sessions over a longer period of days. 

• Listening should be done in a quiet environment with a supportive person present to provide encouragement, and cues of safety, thumbs up, smiles, etc. 

• The support person is also there to monitor any reactions to the listening or to provide support and co-regulation if a break is needed. 

• While listening the child can engage in quiet activities, puzzles, games, art activities, Legos etc. Screens or reading are not recommended as this can require too much cognitive focus and may distract them from “listening” to the music.

• Child can have quiet snacks (nothing crunchy) and should refrain from talking, singing, intense physical activity or sleeping. 

• During the days of listening, they should avoid using earbuds or headphones and should avoid exposure to loud noises such as a concert. 

• The listening program is individualized, and we will determine the best schedule for you or your child. It is important to complete the sessions consecutively as the program builds a platform and capacity over the days of intervention. For some clients we may recommend a break for a few days as to not overwhelm the system. 

• If there is an illness or other interruption in the implementation it may be necessary to repeat sessions from the beginning to gain maximum benefit. 

The most important aspect to the effectiveness is the environment to which the child returns. 

• It is important that the child is well supported during and following the SSP provided positive regard, cues of safety, compassion and understanding as the intervention can cause some dysregulation while the nervous system settles from the changes made. 

• The child may begin to seek more engagement and connection which will need to be responded to in a loving, and positive way to continue the progression that occurs and maintain the activation of the social engagement system. 

• While some changes may be observed as soon as the week of the intervention, it may take 4-6 weeks to recognize all the shifts or changes that occur. 

• The intervention can be completed once or can be repeated after 3-6 months. SSP is generally repeated if: 

• improvement was observed and the intention is that a repeat will provide additional gains or change in state regulation.

• improvement was observed but it seems some of the gains have faded. 

• no shifts or changes were observed and so the system may require additional work.

The Vagus (the 10th Cranial Nerve) comes from the brain and is known as the wandering nerve because it goes all over the body connecting the facial, eye muscles, heart, lungs and our lower organs like intestines, stomach, bladder. The Vagus Nerve is a highway that helps the body communicate with the brain and the brain communicate with the body. The Vagus Nerve regulates our physiological states. Dr. Porges developed the Polyvagal Theory which identifies the 3 general states that all humans experience: Social Engagement/Relaxed/Safe/Comfortable, Fight or Flight, and Shut Down. 

The Vagus nerve keeps heart rate low by means of a vagal “brake”; this inhibits sympathetic (fight or flight) responses. When our body perceives signals of threat, the vagal brake is released, instantaneously speeding heart rate and increasing metabolic output to foster fight or flight behavior. Once in a sympathetic state, we may lose awareness of others and become less able to read social cues and use them to regulate our state. At this point, the muscles of the middle ear will attune the auditory system more toward sounds of threat and danger rather than social communication. When we are in fight or flight it is more difficult to engage socially because our bodies resources are engaged to protect ourselves

Just like the brain, the Autonomic Nervous System is plastic and can “learn” to stay more activated than necessary. Being in a state of chronic defensiveness, as in some psychiatric and behavioral disorders, compromises the social engagement system and the related neural networks “learn” to engage less. The SSP has been shown in peer-reviewed research to significantly increase vagal regulation of the heart - a vital component of ANS regulation. This has the effect of better control of state.

We often hear parents say that their child will do certain things “when they’re comfortable” or “at home”, but not in a setting outside their comfort zone. These parents are referring to state. We ourselves may have trouble thinking on the spot during a presentation if we feel nervous about public speaking. Again, this reflects our state.

The purpose of the SSP is to initiate and accelerate a physiological and emotional state conducive to successful treatment, and eventually to successful interaction with others. It is not meant to be used in isolation. Rather, it is intended to prepare the client’s system for other therapies to make lasting improvement in sensory processing, auditory sensitivity, social communication, and state regulation. 

The SSP is best used together with other therapies. 

Changes from the SSP can be cumulative and self-perpetuating. They will be enhanced by the support the client receives and the learning opportunities they are presented with. While you may notice some positive changes while using the SSP, it is not meant to be used in isolation. 

Since a calm autonomic/physiological state is necessary for health, growth, and restoration, achieving it becomes the foundation of an effective therapy. The SSP is a passive pathway therapy helping to change the client’s physiologic state regulation by toning the vagus nerve. The changes you see relate to neuroplasticity and opens up the system to engage in subsequent active pathway therapy modalities which include psychotherapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive exercises, dance therapy, listening therapy and many others.