title: The role of physiological arousal in the management of challenging behaviours in individuals with autistic spectrum disorders.
abstract: Challenging behaviours restrict opportunities and choices for people with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and frequently lead to inappropriate and costly service interventions. Managing challenging behaviours of people with autism is an important area of research. This paper examines some of the evidence for the role of physiological arousal influencing these behaviours. Evidence from the emerging literature about sensory differences is examined. It is proposed that sensory reactivity is associated with hyperarousal; catatonic type behaviours are associated with low levels of reactivity (hypoarousal). A low arousal approach is proposed as a generalised strategy to managing challenging behaviours with ASD. The use of non-contingent reinforcement and antecedent control strategies are recommended for use with challenging behaviours which have a sensory component. Examples are provided to illustrate the approach. The implications of arousal and the use of physical interventions are discussed. It is proposed that arousal is a construct which has significant heuristic value for researchers and practitioners.
authors.affiliation: Studio3 Training Systems, Alcester, UK.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McDonnell
authors.affiliation: Studio3 Clinical Services, Alcester UK.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McCreadie
authors.affiliation: Research Autism, UK and Bond University, Gold Coast Australia.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mills
authors.affiliation: Studio3, Alcester, UK and Tizard Centre, University of Kent, UK. Electronic address: roydeveau@aol.com.
authors.forename: Roy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Deveau
authors.affiliation: Studio3 Clinical Services, Bath, UK.
authors.forename: Regine
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Anker
authors.affiliation: Gheel Autism Services, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hayden
keywords: Arousal; Autism; Challenging behaviour; Low arousal; Physiological; Sensory