SAS Course Instructions

Contents

• Introduction
• Methodology
• Important Information
• How to use your SAS course
• Observations
• Programme Structure
• The Advantages of a Structured Regime
• Required Equipment
• Log In and Streaming Procedures

Introduction

We believe that every child and every adult should have access to the tools that will unlock their full potential. Recent discoveries in the field of neuro-plasticity have enabled scientists to develop effective, non-invasive and safe methods to boost attention, understanding and memory, to develop speech, reading and writing and to improve social skills, emotional well-being and zest for life.

Better synchronisation between the two sides of the brain, strengthened language specialisation and more effective sensory processing can dramatically speed up development and improve daily functioning at home, at school or at work.

The SAS Neuro-Sensory Activation method is not a cure or medical intervention, but a structured brain training programme that can help strengthen learning, physical ability and speech, transforming daily behaviour, emotional well-being and educational or work performance.

Listening each day for a number of weeks to the personalised SAS programmes can result in significant improvements, which often lead to increased confidence and self-esteem. As the method is non-invasive and does not involve medication or physical activity, the method is safe and can be applied to children and adults of all ages.

Reading these course instructions will help you to understand and apply these programmes with confidence and with maximum success. Learn from it with passion, be inspired and apply it with determination and love.

We wish you all the success that this SAS course can bring and hope that you will enjoy the journey that starts from this moment onwards.

With our very best wishes,

Steven Michaëlis and Katarzyna Gozdek-Michaëlis
Founders, Sensory Activation Solutions

Important Information

Sensory Activation Solutions does not provide medical advice. All contents is for information only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from a qualified physician or healthcare professional for any medical concern, and do not disregard professional medical advice because of any information provided by us.

Methodology

The SAS programmes use specially altered music, speech and tones, listened to through headphones, as a tool to reach and activate the two sides of the brain. As sounds from the right ear go mainly to the left and sounds from the left ear mainly to the right side of the brain, it is possible to activate the brain in a co-ordinated manner.

Re-training the auditory processing centres in the brain is not unlike the use of controls on an audio system – the music remains the same, but the output can be changed in volume, balance and tone. In a similar way it is possible to alter how sounds and speech impact on the mind by changing how auditory input is processed by the brain.

The SAS developed intervention programmes employ a variety of techniques such as movement of sound, timing and phase variations, specific tone differentials and ear-specific programmes. The use of varying levels of activation intensity, appropriate breathing and brainwave frequencies, and structured sequences that introduce different elements in a controlled manner, ensure that every programme can be fully tailored to the needs and abilities of each client.

Your SAS course has been personally designed by one of our experienced SAS Practitioners and is tailored to the age, condition and needs as indicated by you. This limits the use of this personalised course to the person it was specifically designed for.

For the client the process is simple and entirely safe. By listening each day to the specially processed sounds through headphones the brain will receive a healthy 'processing work-out'. Doing this daily for several weeks allows the brain to establish new, lasting habits of processing. Many learning related issues such as attention and concentration, reading, writing and speech, and behavioural issues can all be related to how well we use our two brain-halves and their specialised processing centres. That is why this new method is so exciting as it can help children and adults with a wide range of conditions to improve performance in daily life.

How to use your SAS course

Sessions

Each SAS course consists of a sequence of listening sessions over several weeks. Saily listening sessioms can be up to 60 minutes in length. You can listen to the whole session in one go, or you can split the session into two or three parts, simply by pausing the playback. Remember, longer listening sessions are more effective than many short sessions.

The course is most effective if you listen every day. If you wish you can have some rest days, but please complete the first five listening days without interruption, listen for at least five days each week and do not take more than two rest days in a row.

Sound Level

Ensure the volume is turned completely down prior to connecting the headphones to the computer, tablet or mobile phone.

Turn the volume slowly up to a comfortable, but low level. The effectiveness of the programmes does not depend on a high sound level and a very loud level may even diminish the effectiveness and can be damaging to the hearing.

When setting the volume for a young or non-verbal child, take extra care to have the volume very low. Observe the reactions of the child and if uncomfortable due to the sound level, immediately reduce the volume. Remember that many children are much more sensitive to sound than most adults.

Left and Right Ear

Make sure that the right channel is played to the right ear and the left channel to the left ear. Most headphones indicate this on the ear pieces with 'R' for Right and 'L' for Left. Your listening sessions will also include a short audio test to check this.

Attention, Awake or Asleep

There is no need to pay conscious attention. Children can play, draw or read. Adults may wish to relax or close their eyes. It is best to limit conversation as this is difficult due to the use of headphones.

The programmes are equally effective when listened to whilst awake or whilst asleep.

For children that do not like to wear headphones, or that currently lack the attention span to listen for at least half-an-hour at a time, the programmes can be played just after they have fallen asleep, either during the day or at night.

Please ensure that the headphone cable is placed in such a way that it cannot accidentally get tangled up and stay with your child for the duration of the programmes.

Interrupting or Repeating the Course

We recommend to listen to the programmes every day, with a maximum interruption of no more than two days in a row.

Interruptions of longer than two days will reduce the effectiveness of the programmes, but if this happens, restart your listening sessions as soon as possible and complete the course with minimal rest days.

Observations

During the First Session

During the first session observe for any adverse reactions, such as increased or decreased restlessness, excessive tiredness, dizziness or nausea.

If the adverse reaction is particularly strong or the user feels unwell, stop the programme, and allow at least six hours prior to continuing with the programme. Often the user is then able to listen longer to the programme and mostly can complete the whole listening session.

Do not worry if the user falls asleep during the session as the programmes are equally effective when listened to whilst awake or asleep.

During Subsequent Sessions

The programmes are designed to increase the effectiveness of sensory processing by the brain and it is to be expected that changes in speech, behaviour or emotional state will occur.

Strong reactions normally indicate that significant changes are taking place - these sometimes need some time to settle down into a more effective long term new pattern.

Most users are able to listen to the whole sequence of programmes without adverse reactions.

After taking the Course

From experience we know that changes in processing sensory information often take time to filter through to observable changes in speech, behaviour and emotional well-being.

Often changes become apparent during the three months after completion of the course.

Sometimes changes already occur during the period of taking the course.

Programme Structure

The Neuro-Sensory Activation Method used for the SAS At Home course is based on listening sessions of 20 or 30 minutes in length, once or twice a day.

During the first quarter of the music programmes the movement of sound increasingly speeds up to eventually reach its maximum intensity. During the last few minutes this process is reversed.

Many programmes include an audible hum (low frequency tone) in the background. This has been included on purpose and forms part of the therapeutic programming.

The Advantages of a Structured Regime

The courses provided at dedicated SAS Centres are very effective as clients need to attend each day and they receive professional support in a dedicated environment. To obtain similar results at home, it is important to organise a suitable space and time for the duration of the course. A clear structure and strict adherence to the daily sessions strengthens commitment and will enhance results. Before starting the course, plan ahead for the following weeks to ensure time can be found to complete the course with minimal disruption. It is better to wait before starting the course than having to interrupt the course half-way.

Required Equipment

To use the SAS course you will need the following equipment:

➤ A computer, tablet or mobile phone connected to the internet, and

➤ A pair of full-sized headphones.

Important: Playback through in-ear earphones or loudspeakers is not recommended as it will dramatically reduce the effectiveness of the programmes.

Most full-sized headphones available nowadays are of sufficient quality for use with SAS At Home courses. We recommend the use models with the cable emanating from one side only and with driver units of 40 mm diameter or greater. Models used at SAS Centres include: Panasonic RP-HTX7E and Philips SHP1900. Other suitable models are AKG K44, Behringer HPX2000, JVC HA-RX300 or HA-RX500, Koss KHP/21v and SkyPal SK972MV.

Log In and Streaming Procedures

The moment we activate your SAS course, you will receive an email with the appropriate links and course code.

For mobile devices we recommend you download the latest SAS Centre App from Google Play (for Android devices) or App store (for Apple iOS devices).

You can also listen to your SAS course via any web browser.