Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
&
Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP)
Kids World Paediatric Therapy offers the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP) as therapeutic listening programs that may be incorporated into a child's occupational therapy.
Both programs are developed by Unyte Health and use specially designed music as part of a clinician-guided approach to supporting autonomic regulation. While they can be used independently, SSP and RRP can also complement each other as part of an individualised therapeutic plan.
At Kids World, these programs are not offered as stand-alone interventions. They are used within an ongoing therapeutic relationship so that your child's occupational therapist can consider their developmental profile, sensory processing, regulation, individual differences and response to listening.
What is the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)?
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a therapeutic listening program designed to support autonomic regulation and help individuals become more available for connection, engagement and participation.
The SSP uses specially filtered music delivered through headphones or, where appropriate, speakers. The listening experience is introduced and paced according to the individual rather than following the same schedule for every child.
For some children, supporting regulation may help create a stronger foundation for engagement in relationships, therapy and everyday activities.
What May the SSP Support?
Depending on the individual, the SSP may be considered as part of therapy for children experiencing challenges with areas such as:
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Sensory and emotional regulation
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Auditory sensitivity
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Stress responses
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Social engagement and connection
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Attention and participation
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Tolerance of everyday environments
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Ability to access a calm and regulated state
Every child responds differently. Our occupational therapists consider the child's individual profile and response to the program when determining the pace and progression of listening.
What is the Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP)?
The Rest and Restore Protocol (RRP) is another therapeutic listening program developed by Unyte Health.
While the SSP is designed to support regulation and social engagement, RRP has a particular focus on supporting the body's capacity for rest, restoration and recovery.
RRP uses specially composed music and is designed to provide gentle auditory input that may support settling, slowing down and moving towards a more restorative state.
This can be particularly relevant for children who expend considerable physical, sensory or emotional energy managing the demands of everyday life.
What May RRP Support?
Depending on the individual child's needs, RRP may be used to support:
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Rest and recovery
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Autonomic regulation
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Settling after periods of stress or high demand
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Greater awareness of internal body states
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Transitioning towards calmer states
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Capacity to engage in restorative activities
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Regulation as part of a broader occupational therapy program
As with SSP, RRP is individualised and introduced according to the child's needs and responses.
How Do SSP and RRP Work Together?
SSP and RRP have different but complementary purposes.
A child's occupational therapist may recommend SSP, RRP or a combination of both depending on the child's individual developmental and regulation profile.
For example, one child may benefit from support becoming more regulated and available for engagement, while another may need greater support with slowing down, recovering from demands and accessing restorative states.
The programs are therefore not used according to a standard sequence for every child. Your occupational therapist will consider which listening program is appropriate, when it should be introduced and how it can complement your child's broader therapeutic goals.
A Neuro-Affirming and Individualised Approach
At Kids World, our goal is not to make a child's nervous system respond in a particular way or to eliminate behaviours that serve an important regulatory purpose.
Instead, we seek to understand each child's individual sensory and developmental profile and provide experiences that may support them to feel more comfortable, regulated and able to participate in the activities and relationships that are important to them.
A child's responses to listening are carefully observed and respected. The program can be slowed, modified or paused according to the child's needs.
SSP, RRP and DIR®
Our use of SSP and RRP sits within Kids World's broader DIR® (Developmental, Individual-differences, Relationship-based) approach.
Regulation is an important foundation for a child's Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs). When a child has sufficient support to regulate their body and nervous system, they may be more available for engagement, connection, reciprocal communication, shared problem-solving and increasingly complex interaction.
Listening is therefore not viewed as an isolated intervention. Our therapists consider how changes in regulation may influence the child's ability to participate in relationships, therapy and everyday life.
The relationship with the parent, carer and therapist is also important. Co-regulation and a sense of safety are central to how we support children throughout the listening process.
How Are the Programs Delivered?
There is no single listening schedule that is appropriate for every child.
Your occupational therapist will develop a listening plan based on your child's developmental profile, sensory processing, regulation, previous responses and therapeutic goals.
Listening may initially occur for shorter periods and progress gradually. Some children may tolerate longer periods of listening, while others benefit from a slower pace.
Depending on the child and stage of the program, listening may take place during therapy sessions and/or at home with guidance from the treating occupational therapist.
Supporting Your Child During Listening
The listening environment should feel comfortable and supportive.
Depending on your child's needs, this may include:
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Having a trusted adult nearby for connection and co-regulation
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Engaging in calming or enjoyable activities while listening
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Reducing unnecessary environmental demands
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Allowing movement or changes in position
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Taking breaks when needed
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Observing changes in regulation, behaviour, sleep, sensory responses or participation
Children should not be expected to continue listening when they are showing signs that they need a break or a change in approach.
Parents and carers are encouraged to discuss observations with their child's occupational therapist so the program can be adjusted where necessary.
Ongoing Therapist Support
SSP and RRP are most useful when considered within the context of the child's broader development and participation.
Your child's occupational therapist will provide guidance throughout the program, review responses to listening and consider how the program is interacting with other aspects of therapy and everyday life.
Parents and carers also play an important role in helping therapists understand changes they may be noticing outside the clinic.
Who Can Access SSP and RRP at Kids World?
Because both programs require clinical oversight and are intended to be integrated with ongoing therapeutic support, SSP and RRP are available only to current Kids World Paediatric Therapy clients.
Your child's occupational therapist can discuss whether either program may be appropriate based on your child's individual needs and therapeutic goals.
Enquire About SSP & RRP
If your child currently attends Kids World and you would like to know more about the Safe and Sound Protocol or Rest and Restore Protocol, please speak with your child's occupational therapist.
Your therapist can discuss the programs with you and whether therapeutic listening may be appropriate as part of your child's ongoing occupational therapy.