I like to write about things I have come across that grab my attention.
In these unusual times, it is no different.
Recently, I discovered and became interested in the work of Professor Andrew McDonnell. Andy is a clinical psychologist who recognised that there was a need for change in the approach towards challenging behaviour, in this article he describes himself as “The Recovering Behaviourist”. During his journey from self-confessed “radical behaviourist” to his current approach, Andy developed his concept of ‘Low Arousal’. The development of the low arousal approach to stress and behaviour management is a construct based on strategies which encourage ‘stress reduction and de-escalation’. This is achieved through the building of positive relationships with individuals “even when they are distressed and shouting at you” through empathy and understanding. This holistic approach to stress and challenging behaviour is the foundation of his organisation Studio III. As an organisation Studio III provides therapeutic support and training to both individuals and organisations who need support with a variety of issues. They strive to improve client (and client supporters) well-being through a person-centred model of approach.
What I was drawn to when reading about this low arousal concept was the striking connections with my own approach to working with students who exhibit challenging behaviour and are distressed. The philosophy parallels that of myself and I am happy to describe how I instinctively responded to behaviour as that of a low arousal practitioner.
I understand that punishment is not a solution with respect to challenging behaviour and distress. By responding to behaviour ‘in the moment’ with consequences and punishments we can actively escalate an already difficult situation. I believe that it is necessary to engage with individuals who are exhibiting challenging behaviour and distress in an understanding and empathetic way in order to find out the reason ‘Why?’. Further, I feel strongly that first and foremost we must work together to diffuse the situation before any reparative dialogue can take place. This can only take place if a positive relationship has been established prior to the incident where a level of reciprocal trust has been established that illustrates how we are invested in working together to improve future outcomes and success.
It has been a struggle for me to convince others of the need to look at behaviour “through a different lens” as described by Arnold Lazarus (1997) or to “flip the narrative” in the words of Elly Chapple. But, I persevere through the modelling of my approach with my students. You can imagine how excited I was to discover the low arousal approach! I finally felt that my views were of value and I felt that my empathetic approach had been validated.
So, when under the current circumstances surrounding COVID-19 I discovered that Studio III was releasing free online webinars I just had to join in.
Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to join the first session live but Studio III are providing recordings of all webinars and they can be accessed through their website https://www.studio3.org/free-webinars.
In this first webinar, Andy talks at length about the low arousal approach and how, for a practitioner, this can look like in action. The matter-of-fact way in which he talks you through the principles is so helpful and his references to the need for US to change our behaviour is compelling to listen to.
I managed to listen to the second webinar live. This time Gareth D. Morewood discussed the use of a low arousal approach and reflective practice in educational environments. The informative way in which Gareth talked us through his responses to challenging behaviour was a delight. I particularly liked his quote from David Pitonyak, “when someone is drowning that is not the best time to teach them how to swim”. This resonates with me as validation for not responding to behaviour as something that needs to be corrected ‘in the moment’ but to ensure the safety of those involved while revisiting the behaviour at a later time once everyone is calm and has the ability to reflect.
I am eagerly awaiting the third webinar which will be hosted by autism expert Peter Vermeulen and registration can be found here https://www.studio3.org/free-webinars.
If the Low Arousal Approach is new for you then I recommend you follow the links I have supplied above.
You will not be disappointed!
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