Allen, David, Baker, Peter, Brown, Freddy Jackson, Cooper, Vivien, Denne, Louise, Emerson, Eric, Gore, Nick, Grindle, Corinna, Hastings, Richard P., Hume, Linda, and others. (2026) Revisiting the use of the term “challenging behaviour” in services for people with intellectual disability. Tizard Learning Disability Review, . pp. 1-9. ISSN 1359-5474. E-ISSN 2042-8782. (doi:10.1108/TLDR-09-2025-0049) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:116615)
| The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided. | |
| Contact us about this publication | |
| Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-09-2025-0049 |
|
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to remind readers of the intended meaning behind the term “challenging behaviour”, consider criticisms of its use and to restate its continued utility.
Design/methodology/approach
This review paper adopts a historical perspective to explore the usage of a widely used term in the field of intellectual disabilities and to identify how it has become corrupted and extended beyond original intentions. It then seeks to revisit its intended meaning and to clarify how it remains important in current times.
Findings
While any favoured term is likely to become subject to criticism over time, current disapproval of “challenging behaviour” is based on highly inaccurate interpretations of its intended meaning. Currently suggested alternatives lack any clear definition and risk working against the needs of those the authors support. While the wish to develop better terminology is an entirely appropriate objective and continuing endeavour, the authors have not as yet discovered a better alternative.
Practical implications
Being able to accurately describe the challenging behaviours evidenced by a minority of people with intellectual disability both aids understanding and underpins the case for sophisticated intervention and support.
Originality/value
The authors contend that this an original and important contribution to the importance of language and terminology in the field.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| DOI/Identification number: | 10.1108/TLDR-09-2025-0049 |
| Additional information: | For the purpose of open access, the author(s) has applied a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) licence to any Author Accepted Manuscript version arising. |
| Uncontrolled keywords: | challenging behaviour; intellectual disability; language; definitions; access to services; terminology |
| Institutional Unit: | Schools > School of Psychology > Tizard Centre |
| Former Institutional Unit: |
There are no former institutional units.
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| Funders: | University of Kent (https://ror.org/00xkeyj56) |
| Depositing User: | Peter Baker |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Oct 2026 09:38 UTC |
| Last Modified: | 07 Oct 2026 10:04 UTC |
| Resource URI: | https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/116615 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes) |
University of Kent Author Information
Baker, Peter.
| Creator's ORCID: |
 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1421-9639
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|---|---|
| CReDIT Contributor Roles: |
McGill, Peter.
| Creator's ORCID: |
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2796-8284
|
|---|---|
| CReDIT Contributor Roles: |
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