Low Arousal and Autism (part one)

A 'Low Arousal' approach to Autism? What does it mean? An article in four parts.

Part One

Those two words - 'Low Arousal' get used a lot in the world of autism settings and services. But what do they mean? I get asked this a lot - and also it's something that folk get the wrong end of sometimes. So this article is an attempt to make things clearer and simpler.

Let's divide things up to make the whole more easy to understand. I often describe a 'four-cornered' approach to designing autism friendly services. So here are the four corners of your low arousal approach.

• Communication
• Environment
• Support
• Activity

This first part is going to focus on the first 'corner'. Subsequent parts of the article will address the others until all four are explained.

Communication comes first. It has to. Not much else will work if we don't get this bit right. What will low arousal communication look and sound like? Well mostly it will look. It's about keeping a constant check on how much and what kind of language you are using. But mostly it's about reducing the complexity and volume of language and supporting the verbal with visuals. Wherever people are on the spectrum (and whatever age) they'll need more visual clues and cues to get the gist of what's being said. That's where pictures, photos, symbols, video, and objects of reference score big. If a person can communicate their needs to you effectively, they feel in control, they can make clear choices, then that's a huge step towards the low arousal environment we are after.

People with autism will really be helped by structured, predominantly visual supports that help them:-

• Predict and prepare for the day's activities
• Organise themselves and materials or resources
• Understand the concept of time
• Work through tasks or common routines
• Make choices and express opinions
• Identify and explore feelings
• Reflect on personal experiences and behaviour

Have a read of that list again. Does your school or service have them in place? Remember the 'supports' referred to should be individualised to each person and enable them to operate with more independence. Here's a link to a really useful website iCommunicationthereapy https://www.icommunicatetherapy.com/

So low arousal communication - some things to consider...

Sarcasm, irony, idiomatic and 'cultural' ways of saying things are not effective. Answer:

1. Use less of them

2. Teach what they mean. Explain why people do it. Maybe use a social story.

If your communication is great. It's real structured and real visual - but it's mostly directive (telling people what to do), that's not low arousal.

The speech and language difficulties in more able folk on the spectrum are harder to spot. Don't confuse mega intellectual ability with great skills with the meaning and use of language.

The word "no" is best avoided. Try to avoid having to use it. Tell a person what you want them to do rather than what you don't want them to do. Refocus, give information, offer choices - these techniques will keep the heat out of your communication.

Even bigger than the difficulties with speech and language is the whole area of body language. You know, they eye contact, gesture, body orientation, tone of voice, 'a nods as good as a wink' thing. Teach this stuff to people with autism as if you were teaching something approaching a foreign language. If people are more 'readable' to a person with autism then they'll get less upset by them.

So practice with your communication and autism skills and that's the first corner of your 'four-cornered' approach to low arousal living covered.

Chris Barson

Director

Positive About Autism?

www.positiveaboutautism.co.uk

Follow Chris on Twitter @autismevents