The Challenging Behaviour Foundation
making a difference to the lives of people with severe learning disabilities
We are the only UK charity specifically focused on the needs of children, young people and adults with severe learning disabilities whose behaviour may be described as challenging, and their families.
The term “challenging behaviour” has a specific and precise use in relation to people with a learning disability who might have difficulties communicating. It refers to behaviour which presents a serious risk to the person themselves or to those supporting them. Individuals with a severe learning disability will have little or no speech, find it very difficult to learn new skills, need support with daily activities such as dressing, washing, eating and keeping safe, have difficulties with social skills and need life-long support.
When individuals do not communicate verbally, the onus is on services and professionals to understand, support alternative communication approaches and ensure a good quality of life. If this is done well, it can prevent behaviours that challenge developing. Too often, this does not happen and people respond with fear, restriction and even punishment to challenging behaviours, rather than with curiosity, advocacy and enablement.
Individuals whose behaviours challenge are at greater risk of restrictive responses which compromise their rights and their quality of life. Family carers are at risk of poor outcomes too, including physical and mental-ill health, physical injury, and increased financial burdens. This is not inevitable and can be avoided with the right support, in the right place at the right time.
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