Definition
When someone’s behaviour is persistently different to what is usually accepted, and causes difficulties for the person and the people around them. ‘Symptoms’ may include disruptive, antisocial or aggressive behaviour, poor relationships, and problems with concentrating and paying attention.
The bigger picture
Some people feel that the term ‘disorder’ is stigmatising and ableist. It implies that people are behaving ‘incorrectly’ and in a way that is not ‘normal’. The use of the term ‘symptoms’ medicalises behaviour and suggests it needs to be treated or corrected. ‘Treatments’ can include increased medication, restrictions, or restraint, rather than understanding the cause of the behaviour and what the person is communicating. Often it is used as a blanket term, making it meaningless and unhelpful.
Saying it differently
Avoid talking about disorders, unless the term is being used in relation to a medical diagnosis.
It may be appropriate to use the term ‘distressed behaviour’, as this acknowledges the person is communicating distress. This makes the cause of the distress the focus for change, rather than the person. However, ‘distressed behaviour’ should also be used with caution as the person may be communicating something else.
Generally, it is better to avoid any blanket labelling.