If you’re a parent to a child with additional needs or one who struggles with emotion control, mental health or challenging behaviour, we highly recommend learning more about the Low Arousal Approach.
This method emphasises non-confrontational, calming strategies to de-escalate tense situations and we’ve got one of the pioneers of it joining us on Tuesday 1 April 2025 for an exclusive event.
Bo Hejlskov Elven will be hosting a webinar just for the Sunshine Support community detailing how this approach can support individuals with heightened anxiety, stress or challenging behaviours.
If you’d benefit from learning more, including practical steps for how to implement the approach straight away, then join us by booking tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1036655393187
What is the Low Arousal Approach?
The Low Arousal Approach is a way of approaching concerning behaviours in order to de-escalate the situation swiftly. It recognises that children feed off the energy that a parent or carer brings to a situation and as such, calls for a calm approach in order to allow them to calm themselves.
The goal is to reduce the emotional intensity of a situation, allowing your child to feel more secure and less threatened. It’s all about managing your own emotions and reactions, as well as understanding how your child’s needs may be influencing their behaviour.
This approach is based on the idea that stress and anxiety can often trigger or intensify challenging behaviours. By reducing arousal, both your own and your child’s, you can create a more positive environment where issues are addressed calmly and effectively.
Bo Elven is one of the pioneers of the approach and he says that he comes to it with three fundamental principles in mind:
You need to be responsible in order to change things – as parents we must recognise our own behaviour and make the change there rather than looking for the child to change first.
You need to be in control of yourself – we need to recognise that only when children are fully in control of themselves can they do what is expected of them. The low arousal approach does not support any sort of force or influence being placed upon a child.
Children will behave if they can – Bo Elven credits Ross Greene with this idea but it’s essentially the understanding that we approach with positive expectations rather than assuming children are deliberately being naughty.
What sort of behaviours can be helped by the Low Arousal Approach?
The Low Arousal Approach is targeted at what’s called behaviours of concern and that includes things like slapping, kicking, biting, destroying and even self harm. Other challenging behaviour such as threats or oppositional behaviour can also benefit from the approach.
We know that children with SEND may struggle to communicate their needs or feelings in ways that others can easily understand, which can lead to frustration or distress. In these moments, their behaviours may escalate, and this can leave parents feeling unsure about how to respond.
The Low Arousal Approach equips parents with strategies to manage these situations in a way that is both sensitive and effective. It helps to create a peaceful environment where your child feels supported, reducing the likelihood of further escalation and helping to maintain a strong, positive relationship.
Come along and learn more
If this sounds like an approach which might benefit you and your family then join us for our very special live webinar with Bo Hejlskov Elven to hear directly from the man himself and put your own questions to him.
During the two-hour webinar he will be covering:
- Introduction to the Low Arousal Approach: Understand the foundational principles of this non-confrontational method designed to reduce anxiety and de-escalate challenging behaviours.
- Behavioural Triggers and Early Signs: Learn how to identify early indicators of distress and recognise common triggers that can escalate behaviours, helping to prevent crises before they happen.
- Calming Strategies and Techniques: Explore practical, evidence-based strategies to reduce sensory overload and create low-arousal environments, including adjustments in communication, space, and routines.
- Real-Life Case Studies: Analyse case studies showcasing the successful implementation of the Low Arousal Approach in various settings, such as schools, homes, and care environments.
- Practical Application: Gain hands-on tips and techniques for applying the approach in your professional or caregiving role to support individuals with autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergent profiles.
- Promoting Positive Behaviours: Understand how to foster trust, safety, and emotional well-being through consistent use of calming strategies that encourage positive, long-term behavioural outcomes.
The Low Arousal Approach can really help children and those supporting them in stressful situations. Join us and learn about how it can help you.
