It is estimated that one in 10 children in America have a communication disorder. Many parents are unaware of the benefits physical therapy for kids with communication disorders has to offer, and what their different therapy options are. Below is a list of six key facts to know about safe sound therapy, and why it may be a good option for your child.
What is safe sound protocol?
This method of physical therapy for kids is designed to train the middle ear muscles to help your child better understand the intent and meaning of a conversation. Safe sound therapy can also help treat children who experience anxiety or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
How does it work?
Safe sound therapy helps treat children who have social skills issues through utilizing integrated listening systems (iLs) to help form new neurological connections in the brain. This is a result of iLs repeatedly stimulating the child’s visual and auditory senses.
How reliable is iLs as a form of occupational therapy for kids?
Integrated listening systems are well researched and completely safe. According to a study that was published in Advance Occupational Therapy Magazine in 2010, iLs are one of the only methods of occupation therapy that shows substantial improvement in children diagnosed with auditory processing disorder (APD). In fact, all 29 of the children who were considered to have below-normal limits of auditory decoding skills before the study had improved to at or above normal limits after undergoing safe sound therapy.
What does a typical session look like?
Your child will listen to therapeutic music through headphones for one hour. During this time, your child will begin to feel more relaxed as the music helps reduce stress and auditory sensitivity. This will, in turn, allow your child to better interpret speech and better engage in conversation.
What can you expect after your child has completed their safe sound therapy session?
Immediately following the session, your child’s ears may be red or warm to the touch. This is completely normal and is simply a result of an increase in blood flow to the ear. You may also notice:
- Improved eye contact
- Improved listening skills
- Better management of emotions
- Better expression of emotions
- More willingness to play with other children
Some caretakers have reported that their child is more tired or that they take more trips to the bathroom. This is also normal, and simply a result of their body feeling more relaxed.
How do you prepare for a session?
You may have never considered pediatric physical therapy before, and that is okay! Your physical therapist will walk you through everything you need to know before the session. Safe sound therapy will require your child to wear headphones for an extended period of time, so it is recommended you help your child get used to the feeling of wearing headphones if they are not already comfortable with doing so.
Final Thoughts
Safe sound therapy is a safe and effective method of physical therapy for kids. It is malleable enough to give your child a personalized approach, and can be combined with other forms of social skills therapy if needed. For more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to Safe Sound Pediatric Therapy today.
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