What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?  

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It is a complex disorder that can manifest in a variety of ways.

The signs and symptoms of ASD can vary widely. Still, they may include difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions, repetitive behaviours or routines, and sensitivity to sensory stimuli.

While the exact causes of ASD are not fully understood, research suggests that genetic and environmental factors may play a role in its development. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with ASD, allowing them to navigate social situations better and develop important life skills. 

Individuals with ASD need support and understanding from their families, communities, and healthcare providers to thrive.

Adult Autism Spectrum Disorder or Adult ASD

Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may also have difficulty with executive functioning skills such as planning, organization, and maintaining employment or independent living. 

However, it is important to note that individuals with ASD have a wide range of abilities and strengths and may excel in mathematics or music.

The type of autism spectrum disorder can vary widely in severity and symptoms, with some individuals experiencing mild challenges while others may require significant support throughout their lives. Individuals with ASD need to receive appropriate therapies and accommodations to help them reach their full potential. The social stigma surrounding ASD can be significant.

Early intervention and support can greatly improve outcomes for individuals with ASD throughout their lifespan. It is important to seek a professional diagnosis and individualized treatment plan for adults with ASD, as early intervention and support can greatly improve outcomes for individuals with ASD throughout their lifespan. With proper support, individuals with ASD can lead fulfilling and successful lives.

The type of autism spectrum disorder can vary widely in severity and symptoms, with some individuals experiencing mild challenges while others may require significant support throughout their lives. The social stigma surrounding ASD can be significant.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Treatment

Recent research has shown promising results in using assistive technologies, such as speech-generating devices and augmented reality apps, to help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder improve their communication skills and social interactions. 

These technologies can provide a means of communication for nonverbal individuals and offer visual supports to aid in social understanding and engagement. Parents and caregivers need to explore these options and work with professionals to determine the best approach for their child's unique needs.

In addition to traditional therapies like behavioural interventions and medication, many families have turned to alternative treatments like acupuncture or dietary changes to manage symptoms of ASD. It is important for individuals and families considering these options to thoroughly research their effectiveness and potential risks before pursuing them.

PolyVagal Theory in Autism Spectrum Disorder

The polyvagal theory, first presented by Porges in 1995, offers credible explanations for ASD's social impairment. 

In short, this hypothesis contends that effective social behaviour in mammals and humans requires a particular balance of the autonomic nervous systems (ANS) between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems (SNS and PNS, respectively). 

Unconscious decisions are made continuously in a mammalian neurological system by digesting sensory information collected from the environment. 

Neuroception refers to the unconscious neurological mechanism connected with sensory processing, and its failure impedes the creation of appropriate social behaviours. Neuroception substantially impacts the efficiency with which defensive behaviours such as fight, flight, or freeze are switched to prosocial behaviours for interpersonal communication.

Individuals with ASD, on the other hand, may have perceptual dysfunctions as a result of sensory processing abnormalities, making it challenging to switch protective behaviours efficiently due to a lack of perception of the environment as safe enough for social engagement with others.

Introduction to Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a creative intervention based on the polyvagal theory for improving social communication impairments by reducing auditory hypersensitivity and improving human speech processing. 

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) rehabilitates the middle ear muscle function using filtered music tuned to the specific frequency of human speech. Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is filtered music therapy that aims to improve the auditory processing abilities of individuals with ASD. 

It involves listening to specially designed music filtered to emphasize certain frequencies, which can help regulate the nervous system and reduce sensory sensitivities. The filtered music is designed to match the frequency range of the human voice, which can help improve neural regulation and processing. 

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a non-invasive and safe intervention to improve social engagement and communication skills. It can be used with other therapies to support individuals with neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions, such as ASD.

What Happens During a Typical SSP Session? 

SSP is effective in reducing symptoms of autism, such as social communication deficits and sensory processing issues. It can also be used with other therapies, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy or some form of psychotherapy, to enhance their effectiveness. 

During an SSP session, the individual listens to specially designed music to stimulate the vagus nerve and promote a state of calm and relaxation. The session typically lasts around one hour and can be repeated over several days or weeks for maximum benefit.

If you or your loved ones have Adult ASD and need more information, you can contact our team to book a free first session. Our registered therapists help you with more details and insurance coverage. We at the Insight Clinic use only evidenced-based treatment, which is effective and has no trivial side effects.

Summary of Findings

Early diagnosis and intervention can greatly improve outcomes for individuals with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), allowing them to navigate social situations better and develop important life skills. Adults with ASD may also have difficulty with executive functioning skills such as planning, organization, and maintaining employment or independent living. 

Individuals with ASD need to receive appropriate therapies and accommodations to help them reach their full potential. Recent research has shown promising results in using assistive technologies, such as speech-generating devices and augmented reality apps, to help individuals with ASD improve their communication skills and social interactions.

The polyvagal theory for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suggests that effective social behaviour requires a balance of the autonomic nervous systems (ANS) between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems (SNS and PNS).

 The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a creative intervention based on the polyvagal theory to improve social communication impairments by reducing auditory hypersensitivity and improving human speech processing. It involves listening to specially designed music filtered to emphasize certain frequencies, which can help regulate the nervous system and reduce sensory sensitivities. 

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a non-invasive and safe intervention to improve social engagement and communication skills. It can be used in conjunction with other therapies to enhance their effectiveness. During an SSP session, the individual listens to specially designed music to stimulate the vagus nerve and promote a state of calm and relaxation. Contact us to book your first session.