The arousal level, or “engine,” of a child refers to their state of alertness, which can be too high (revved up), too low (running out of gas), or just right (well-regulated). Understanding arousal levels is crucial because it plays a significant role in a child’s ability to focus, engage in activities and overall functioning. A child with a revved-up engine may show signs of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty sitting still. Conversely, a child with a running-out-of-gas engine might appear lethargic, have trouble concentrating, or exhibit low motivation.
At SPOT, our Occupational Therapists are here to support children to recognise and develop their own strategies to regulate their arousal levels.
