Breton Ability Centre sees violent incidents drop by almost 85%

The executive director of the Breton Ability Centre in Sydney says the number of violent incidents at the centre have decreased by almost 85 per cent, thanks to the use of new positive - or low arousal -approaches.

Harman Singh told Mainstreet Cape Breton that the drop is "quite astounding."

The new strategy focuses on those with autism and developmental and intellectual disabilities, and their caregivers.

"They focus on the reduction of stress, fear and frustration amongst both sides," said Singh.

Examining behaviour

It starts with caregivers noticing their own behaviour, Singh said, which means watching body language and talking in low voices.

It also focuses on changing physical environments, which could include bright lights, noise or crowded places.

The Breton Ability Centre adopted this method last year.

A lot of the research comes out of the U.K., and is led by Dr. Andrew McDonnell, she said.

Singh said five staff at Breton Ability are becoming trainers under McDonnell's guidance. He comes to C.B. regularly to audit them.

This is a first in Canada.

Other methods 'traumatic'

Before this approach, non-violent crisis intervention was the go-to, which meant a more hands-on approach. That could have meant holding a person in therapeutic positions.

Singh noted these are non-harmful.

"But at the same time, they can be quite traumatic. And it's traumatic on both sides."

New philosophy

Low arousal approaches have also meant that crisis control and seclusionhas gone down by almost 75 per cent.

Up until a few years ago, Breton Abilitywas looked at as the end of the road for a person, Singh said.

"Our philosophy has shifted and I firmly believe it is the beginning of a road to better things for most people," Singh said.

'He's much more social now'

Jeffrey Barnes certainly feels that way.

His son has autism. During his teenage years, things were challenging because he couldn't handle all of his emotions.

Barnes said really nice outreach programs were offered through Breton Ability, including overnight respite for a week.

Finding a home

"Myself and my wife went on our very first vacation we had alone in 20 years,"said Barnes.

Barnes' son got used to Breton Ability, and the low arousal techniques.Today, the centre is his home.

"He's much more social now. There's many less incidents of violence and negative outbursts," said Barnes. "He's actually starting to learn to become a little more independent."

Breton Ability Centre is holdinga conference on these positive approaches May 26 at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre.