BRAVE Speech & Language Services
SAFE AND SOUND PROTOCOL
Helping Each child and family find their BRAVE voice
What is the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)?
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a listening-based therapy that helps people feel calmer, more connected, and better able to communicate. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the neuroscientist behind Polyvagal Theory, SSP is grounded in research on how the nervous system responds to stress and safety.
Using specially filtered music, SSP gently supports the nervous system in shifting from states of stress or anxiety into states of relaxation and social engagement. When children feel safe in their bodies, they are more open to connection, learning, and emotional growth.
At BRAVE, we integrate SSP with speech-language therapy and self-regulation support to help children feel calmer, more regulated, and ready to learn. From this foundation of safety, children can grow their communication skills, develop self-awareness, and build emotional resilience—opening the door to deeper relationships, more meaningful interactions, and greater confidence in everyday life.
HOW BRAVE IMPLEMENTS THE SAFE AND SOUND PROTOCOl
Harnessing the Power of Collaboration for Self-Regulation Success
At BRAVE, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is delivered through a collaborative approach led by Narmilee Dhayanandhan, certified DIRFloortime® provider and Shanker Self-Reg® facilitator, and Dr. Lisa Bayrami, a certified Shanker Self-Reg® facilitator, SSP Provider, and expert in self-regulation science. Together, they bridge communication, emotional regulation, and neurobiological safety to provide holistic support for autistic children.
Narmilee integrates Dr. Bayrami’s expertise in SSP with personalized, communication goals that honor each child’s strengths and needs—helping them feel safe, connected, and ready to grow.
Dr. Lisa Bayrami, former Executive Director of the Self-Regulation Institute (SRI) and Former Director of Research at Roots of Empathy, brings cutting-edge research in nervous system regulation to BRAVE’s care model. Her expertise ensures that each child’s physiological state is supported alongside their communication and social development.
Together, she and Narmilee Dhayanandhan offer a unique collaboration that addresses self-regulation from both neurobiological and communication perspectives. This integrated approach helps children move from states of stress and overwhelm into calm, connection, and meaningful communication.
By combining speech-language development, self-regulation science, and relationship-driven care, BRAVE delivers holistic, evidence-based interventions that build confidence, resilience and empowers children to engage more fully with the world around them.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Child’s Self-Regulation Success
If your child struggles with emotional regulation, sensory sensitivities, or communication challenges, BRAVE is here to help. Through the powerful collaboration between a speech-language pathologist and a developmental psychologist, we create a pathway for children to move from stress and overwhelm to connection, confidence, and meaningful engagement.
“Children are not things to be molded but are people to be unfolded.”
– Jess Lair –
EVIDENCE ON SAFE AND SOUND PROTOCOL
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, is a therapeutic intervention based on Polyvagal Theory, designed to support nervous system regulation, emotional resilience, and social engagement. Research has explored its effectiveness in reducing auditory hypersensitivity, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing social interactions, particularly for autistic individuals.
Key Research Supporting SSP
- Porges, S. (2021). Clinical Trial Evidence for the Safe and Sound Protocol. This study examined SSP’s impact on autonomic regulation, hearing sensitivity, emotional control, and social behaviors in individuals with autism and other conditions. Findings suggest that SSP helps shift the nervous system from a defensive state to a more engaged, regulated state (Trauma Research Foundation).
- Rogowski, M., Damiao, J. A., Cavaliere, C., Rust, N., Lopez, A., Marash, R., & Zdrodowski, A. (2024). An Exploratory Study of SSP in Young Children With Autism. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 78 (2). This study explored SSP’s impact on self-regulation and functional skill development in young autistic children receiving occupational therapy. Results suggested significant improvements in attention, engagement, and emotional regulation.
- Safe and Sound Protocol Research Team (2022). Social Improvements in Autistic Children Following SSP. This study highlights how SSP supports emotional regulation and social engagement, helping autistic children navigate interactions with greater ease and confidence (Safe and Sound Protocol Research).
- Safe and Sound Protocol Research Team (2022). Reducing Hypersensitivity in Autism Through SSP. Preliminary findings indicate that SSP can reduce auditory hypersensitivity in autistic individuals, improving listening, spontaneous speech, and behavioral organization (Safe and Sound Protocol Research).
Research on the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is still developing, but early studies — including work by the Safe and Sound Protocol Research Team and the Trauma Research Foundation — show promising results. These findings suggest SSP may be a helpful tool for supporting emotional regulation in autistic individuals.
GET STARTED WITH BRAVE TODAY
Location
Located in the heart of Ajax, Ontario
Phone
(416) 738-5775
info@bravespeech.ca
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Culturally Responsive Autism Care
Bridging Connection, Compassion, and Co-Regulation