In this short article, Professor Andrew McDonnell discusses a recent paper on polyvagal theory, and its implications for practice in the caring professions. Stephen W. Porges is an American psychologist and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina. Porges is also currently the Director of the Kinsey Institute Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at Indiana University, studying the effects and impact of trauma. Porges developed polyvagal theory in 1994, a co

In effect, we have created an industry of ‘pseudo martial arts’ when in reality, crisis situations are not about self-defence.

Having a COO allows changes to be implemented, and ambitious ideas to become reality.

The following case example of a young man called Adam gives a good understanding of how we employ trauma-informed approaches in our work.

This article is the first in a series of discussions around physical interventions training in the crisis management industry.

Professor Andrew McDonnell provides a timeline of the evolution of the Low Arousal Approach to crisis management.

Professor Andrew McDonnell shares some key things to consider when seeking an autism diagnosis or assessment.

In this article, Professor Andrew McDonnell comments on the court case against 9 members of staff from Whorlton Hall exposed by BBC Panorama

Professor Andrew McDonnell reflects on his work with friend and colleague Bob Rhodes, President and Founder of LivesThroughFriends ....

Professor Andrew McDonnell reviews Autism and the Predictive Brain by Peter Vermeulen. 'Autism and the Predictive Brain: Absolute...

This is the first in a series of articles in which Professor Andrew McDonnell attempts to outline the transition from locked wards in hospitals to community placements, in collaboration with Lives Through Friends. Compassionate care in the community can be more therapeutic than hospital placements In 2011, the BBC Panorama Winterbourne View documentary caused great public outcry and a commitment from the government to reduce the number of beds in secure units for individuals

This extract describes how the LASER Programme approaches the difficult topic of reducing physical interventions in schools.

An excerpt from the upcoming book on Restraint and Seclusion Elimination: The Studio 3 Approach by Professor Andrew McDonnell, coming soon!

Dr. Rebecca Fish, a researcher at Lancaster University, reviews The Reflective Journey: A Practitioner's Guide to the Low Arousal Approach by Professor Andrew McDonnell, offering insights into its practical applications for managing challenging behaviours I have been working as a researcher for people with learning disabilities and/or autism in forensic services since 1997. I have heard many tropes about ‘challenging behaviour’, as well as seeing dehumanizing and individuali