One method of helping those with autism is the low arousal approach. Instead of focusing on the child’s behavior, this is one method in which the caretakers change what they do. Combined with other forms of treatment, this approach could reduce the meltdowns that occur or reduce the intensity of emotional outbursts. If your child has autism, you should learn as much as you can about this innovative approach. Contact Discover Camp Worth today at 855.915.2545 to learn more.
What Is the Low Arousal Approach?
The low arousal approach is often difficult for parents to do because it challenges their prevailing theories about how to deal with stressful situations with their child. Instead of punishing their child for getting upset and having a meltdown, the low arousal approach requires the parent to stop and reflect on their actions or gently remove them from the room.
As a parent, you will have to change what you do and how you act to create the lowest stress environment possible for your child. In doing so, you can make it easier for your child to handle stress without also having to handle additional stimuli. For example, avoiding aggressive stances or direct eye contact can help your child with ASD to stay calm when other stressors increase.
How Does the This Approach Help Children with ASD?
Your child’s meltdowns may have a connection between your actions or those of your child’s therapists. The low arousal approach helps avoid these types of situations, reducing the number of emotional outbursts your child has.
For children with ASD, hypersensitivity to external stimuli such as loud noises or bright colors can make situations difficult to handle. Any additional stress can tip the balance and make your child feel panicked or upset, resulting in an emotional meltdown. The low arousal method helps you de-escalate the situation, thereby helping your child handle things better.
As a parent, when you recognize that you can help your child by changing your behaviors to prevent extra stress, you can feel empowered. Additionally, your child does not have to experience the added stress of a shutdown or meltdown. Camp Worth offers an autism training program for parents to offer continual support.
Some practitioners also use the low arousal approach when working with children who have autism. However, this method is a piece of the entire treatment plan rather than the only means of helping the child.
What Other Types of Autism Treatment Are Available?
Your child should have a complete treatment plan that accounts for their medical, emotional, and academic needs. At Camp Worth, we have treatments and therapies that meet these necessities and much more. You will find the following at our Texas facility:
- Autism education program for children and teens
- Food and nutrition program
- Behavior analysis program
- Occupational therapy program
- Medication management
- Speech therapy program
Many children who come to our treatment program have a formal autism diagnosis and need customized care. We can help them learn to handle their emotions, learn new life skills, become more independent, and improve their academic performance.
While we work with your child at Camp Worth, you can choose to use the low arousal approach at home to help them stay focused and relaxed.
Find Autism Treatment in Texas at Camp Worth
All children with autism have different needs for autism treatment. Therefore, if you have a child with autism between the ages of 11 and 17, call us at 855.915.2545. You can find out about the many options that we have for helping them at Camp Worth. Conveniently located in north Texas, our facility offers numerous treatments and therapies for both children with ASD and their parents. Feel free to use the low arousal approach at home. However, if your child needs a more comprehensive treatment plan, let us know. Your child can live a full, happy life by learning the skills to handle the challenges of ASD.
