The information presented in this case study was submitted by the identified provider and reviewed by the Unyte Clinical Team. Modifications to the text have been made solely for the purpose of enhancing comprehension and clarity for the reader’s benefit, and were carefully applied while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the original submission. Unyte Health makes every effort to use updated terms and inclusive language, this case study retains the author’s original descriptions to be most sensitive to the client’s identity and preferences.
About the Provider
Name: Jenny Bednar
Disciplines/credentials: Occupational therapy assistant, COTA/L
Modalities: Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), SI/processing, responsive feeding, NDT
Client Background
Name: Matthew (pseudonym)
Age and Gender: 3-year-old boy
Program Delivered: Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Connect (Hour 1); Core (Hours 1-5); Balance (Hour 1)
Matthew found many aspects of his daily routine overwhelming and became unable to regulate when experiencing sensory overload. Tasks, such as bathing or eating, were “highly stressful events for Matthew,” often triggering his fight-or-flight response. His biggest challenge was regulating sensory input, which made tasks like washing his face or trying new foods difficult. In addition to his sensory sensitivities, Matthew struggled with social interactions. During play outings or library storytimes, Matthew felt the same sense of dysregulation, which inhibited forming social bonds with other children.
Matthew’s parents sought out a provider to help their son develop more flexibility in his daily routine. They had already taken the initiative to get him enrolled in play-based and occupational therapy, so when they reached out to provider Jenny Bednar, they had clear goals in mind for their son. With Jenny, they hoped to help Matthew feel more comfortable with daily tasks, expand his limited food palate, and develop the social-emotional skills to form meaningful connections with his peers.
Implementation of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
Matthew participated in SSP sessions remotely, with Jenny present virtually while Matthew’s mother and occupational therapist were with him in person. He opted to listen without headphones despite encouragement from both therapists. During his listening sessions, he preferred engaging with tactile toys such as kinetic sand or Play-Doh.
Response
Matthew improved most significantly in his tolerance and flexibility in social situations. At church, he developed an interest in the childcare center and was able to leave his parents during services for the first time. He became more accepting of sharing spaces with other children and unfamiliar adults, which was a significant change from before. During therapy, Jenny noted that he engaged more and appeared calmer, “demonstrating improved social engagement skills.” His mother expressed satisfaction with his improvement, with Jenny stating that she is “extremely happy with the results and how it is positively affecting his social skills in a variety of different settings.”
In addition to his socialization habits, Matthew also demonstrated improved sleep quality. Prior to treatment, he would wake up multiple times a night. After the SSP, he was able to sleep throughout the entire night all but one day a week.
Matthew did regress in one area of focus: eating. His diet became more restrictive than before; however, Jenny and Matthew’s mother attribute this to a recent illness as opposed to any of the treatment modalities.
Discussion
Jenny advocated for using the SSP remotely when it benefits clients, stating that “it allowed the trained therapist to guide the session [while] the client also has familiarity and rapport with those in the room.”
Matthew received positive feedback during his sessions from those present physically and virtually, and was able to see his therapists’ smiles for encouragement and hug his mother for comfort when needed. This supportive team around him made it easier for Matthew to participate in the listening sessions.
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