Nervous System Integration
At Connected to Learn, we use a holistic approach to support our students in activating their ability to learn. We use a bottom-up approach to identify blocks and deficits that inhibit academic learning. It is important to balance the nervous system first because it is the foundation of healthy physical, mental, and emotional functioning. Within the autonomic nervous system, we all fluctuate between balanced and threatened states due to triggers in the environment. For example, being in an argument can cause someone to want to run away (flight) or argue (fight). Trauma or repeated experiences can cause us to get stuck in a particular state. Chronic anxiety is an indicator of sympathetic nervous system activation. Chronic depression is a sign of dorsal vagal parasympathetic nervous system immobilization. Some indicators of an imbalanced nervous system include an inability to self-soothe, anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, meltdowns, overwhelm, avoidance, and inability to focus.
There are many types of physical, visual, and auditory input that signal feelings of safety, calm, and balance to the nervous system. As part of our nervous system integration process at Connected to Learn, your child will receive Safe and Sound Protocol, Primitive Reflex Integration (as needed), HeartMath Biofeedback Training, and other relaxation techniques that support the nervous system.
Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
Safe and Sound Protocol is an auditory intervention that supports autonomic nervous system (ANS) balance. This vagus nerve stimulation therapy was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. SSP is a gentle intervention that involves students listening to highly filtered music designed to create signals of safety and connection to the ANS. This is achieved by training the middle ear muscles to associate safety with the frequencies of the human voice. All students will receive SSP as needed throughout the school year.
Primitive Reflex Integration
Primitive reflexes are automatic motor responses with which we are each born. One example of a primitive reflex is the rooting reflex. When babies feel a sensation on their cheek, they turn and root for their mother’s milk. We need our primitive reflexes to support early development and to help protect the body. As each of us grow and develop, primitive reflexes become integrated into the central nervous system (CNS) because they are no longer needed. When a primitive reflex is integrated, the motor response is no longer visible when triggered. Sometimes, due to environmental factors and trauma, primitive reflexes are not integrated properly into the CNS and are retained. This causes various problems for the child in motor development, sensory processing, and behavior due to the nervous system being in a constant state of stress.
Students’ primitive reflexes will be assessed to determine if any have been retained. Any retained reflexes will then be integrated through our nervous system protocols and treatments.
HeartMath Biofeedback Training
The HeartMath program is designed to balance the heart-brain connection. This research-based intervention trains each student to change their heart patterns through various daily exercises and breathing techniques using biofeedback technology. This heart-brain coherence technology reduces stress and anxiety, while increasing positive neurochemicals that help students to feel more calm, happy, and focused. This program also helps bring the nervous system into a state of balance.