Low arousal approaches to manage behaviours of concern

McDonnell, Andy; Deveau, Roy

doi:10.7748/ldp.2018.e1882

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Children with MLD grapple with anxiety and mental stress, and their interaction with learning that is referred to as mathematical anxiety ([10]; [2]). "The Low Arousal Approach" has evolved from an original definition ( [44]) to a cognitive reconceptualization ( [45]). It refers to the fact that the biological arousal in people with learning disabilities, especially in those who have attention deficit, does not function properly.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Anxiety in Executive Functions of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Mathematical Learning Disability Comorbidity

2022

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Executive dysfunction is common symptom among patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/ or Mathematical Learning disability (MLD). Current research evidences indicate that anxiety can lead to numerous cognitive deficits. Therefore, through comparing executive functioning in children with ADHD/MLD, who have high and low levels of anxiety, the present study examined the probable role of anxiety in intensifying their problems in executive functions, especially verbal and visuospatial working memory. In a retrospective quasi-experimental study, 8-12 years old children, who were diagnosed for ADHD and MLD comorbidity were selected using purposive convenience sampling (n=85). They completed the multidimensional anxiety scale for children. Then, due to their scores on this scale, 20 children with high anxiety (1.5 standard deviations and more above the mean) and 20 children with low anxiety (1.5 standard deviations and more below the mean) were selected and placed in two groups. Then, executive functions assessment tasks, including Tower of London test, Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), and the Benton's Visual Retention Test, were carried out. Collected data were analyzed using independent t test. Findings showed that anxiety can be considered as an intensifying factor in executive functioning of children with ADHD and MLD. Therefore, executive functions can be improved by balancing the levels of anxiety and preventing further impairment of executive function in these children.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Anxiety in Executive Functions of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Mathematical Learning Disability Comorbidity

2022

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“…Anecdotally, families and supporters often design their own training based on the availability of published material ( Elvén, 2010 ; McDonnell, 2010 ; Woodcock and Page, 2010 ; McDonnell, 2019 ). The approach has also been adopted widely by people supporting difficult behavior for individuals who are autistic ( McDonnell et al, 2018 ). Specifically, we interviewed parents about their experiences of training in applying the Low Arousal Approach with their family member who presents with behaviors of concern.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Families’ experiences of the Low Arousal Approach: a qualitative study

McDonnell,

Page,

Bews-Pugh

et al. 2024

Front. Psychol.

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BackgroundParents and carers supporting a family member presenting with behaviors of concern experience heightened stress. The Low Arousal Approach is a crisis management strategy which recognizes that stress, or physiological arousal, can be expressed through behaviors of concern. This approach aims to equip parents and carers to manage behaviors in a person-centered and non-confrontational way. There is a paucity of published research exploring the experiences of families applying this approach.MethodsSeventeen parents who had received training in the Low Arousal Approach were interviewed to gain their perspectives on supporting their family members using this approach.ResultsThematic analysis revealed themes relating to parental stress, which was related to external pressures, isolation, family stress, and challenges in their caring role. They described encountering negative narratives relating to self-criticism and negative judgments from others. Training in the Low Arousal Approach was related to being empowered through access to evidence, increased confidence, and increased ability to advocate for their family member’s needs. Low Arousal was described as a “lifestyle” that enabled increased coping for the family unit as a whole.Discussion/conclusionFindings indicate that it is vitally important to recognize the views of parents and carers, and these are equally as important as the views of professionals. We must understand parents’ and carers’ needs in order to provide adequate support.

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Low arousal approaches to manage behaviours of concern

Cited by 2 publications

References 23 publications

The Role of Anxiety in Executive Functions of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Mathematical Learning Disability Comorbidity

The Role of Anxiety in Executive Functions of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Mathematical Learning Disability Comorbidity

Families’ experiences of the Low Arousal Approach: a qualitative study

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