MANAGING CHALLENGING BEHAVIOUR IN AN ADULT WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES: THE USE OF LOW AROUSAL APPROACH

Abstract

Behaviour change is often a desired outcome for carers and professionals who work with people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviours. Managing these behaviours in the short term is an important step towards this goal. This single case study presents the use of a low arousal approach in managing challenging behaviours in a young man labelled with severe challenging behaviour. This strategy focuses on the interaction of the carers with the client and how their approach has an important impact on the behaviour of the client. The study documents the incidents of challenging behaviour and shows a decline in their frequency from baseline over a one-year period. These gains were maintained at five-month follow-up. The implications for services of these findings are discussed.