Rehabilitation of Neuropsychological Disorders A Practical Guide for Rehabilitation Professionals

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Arousal

Following are suggestions to assist individuals with weaknesses in maintaining basic arousal:

• Encourage adequate sleep at night, frequent breaks, rests, and naps. Schedule brief rest periods in between short periods of work or activity (e.g., 20-30 minutes working, 5-minute break, 20-30 minutes working, etc.), according to level of arousal that the individual can sustain. Suggest involvement in tasks in an upright position and encourage participation in tasks (e.g., therapies) at highest period of alertness during the day. A variety of medications (e.g., methylphenidate) may also have therapeutic effectiveness.
• Change tasks frequently. Provide cues to alert the person to new or novel stimuli.
• Encourage working on "least interesting" material when arousal is highest.
• Provide the individual with a well-lit room with bright coloring, a clock, calendar, and if possible, a window.

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