Challenging Behaviour FAQs

What is challenging behaviour?

Defined as "culturally abnormal behaviour", challenging behaviour encompasses behaviour that is likely to seriously limit or deny access to ordinary community activities. It is most commonly exhibited by people with learning development disabilities or those with mental health issues, although it can be displayed by any individual.

What types of challenging behaviour exist?

Challenging behaviour may include self-injurious behaviour, inappropriate sexualised behaviour, aggressive behaviour, behaviour directed at the property and stereotyped behaviour (such as repetitive rocking and echolalia).

What are the causes of challenging behaviour?

There are many factors that lead to challenging behaviour including:

• biological (the need for sensory stimulation, pain or medication)
• environmental (physical aspects such as lighting and noise)
• psychological (feeling excluded, lonely, devalued, living up to negative expectations of others)
• social (boredom, requiring social interaction, a need for greater control, lack of community norms, insensitivity of staff and services to the individual's wishes and needs)