Chapter 4 - Typical and Atypical Behaviour

behaviours that are unusual, bizarre, atypical or out of the ordinary

a term used by psychologists to describe emotions, behaviours and cognitions that enable us to adjust to our environment appropriately and cope most effectively

ways of thinking that are of benefit to our survival and wellbeing

the ability to be vigilant and to sustain focus

patterns of behaviour that are not expected for an individual or that deviate from the norm and can be harmful or distressing for the individual and those around them

when behaviours, skills or abilities fall outside the expected range of development or progress at a different pace compared to similar-aged peers

the ability to derive overall meaning from a mass of details

cognitive processes or mental actions that involve acquiring, processing and understanding information or knowledge

psychological treatment that targets the relationship between maladaptive thoughts, feelings and behaviours

a criterion for determining whether a behaviour is typical or atypical, by accounting for cultural norms or societal standards

respect for, and relevance to, the health beliefs, health practices, culture and linguistic needs of diverse populations and communities

feelings that arise from our circumstances, mood or relationships with others

a cognitive process that helps us to set goals, organise and plan, focus our attention and ultimately get things done

a term used by psychologists to describe emotions, behaviours and cognitions that interfere with our ability to adjust to our environment appropriately and effectively

behaviour that is unhelpful, dysfunctional and nonproductive, and that interferes with a person’s ability to adjust to their environment appropriately and effectively

cognitive distortions or irrational, inflated thoughts or beliefs that distort a person’s perception of reality, usually in a negative way

very intense or overwhelming emotions that occur frequently, persist for extended periods of time without interruption or are inappropriate for the situation

a term that is sometimes used to refer to people whose brains function differently to others’

not neurotypical; functioning outside the typical range of neurological development

the idea that every human has a unique nervous system with a different combination of abilities and needs

an individual whose neurological development or functioning is within the typical (average) range

standard or typical brain functioning, processing and behaviours

patterns of behaviour that are typical and expected, or that conform to standards of what is acceptable

a state in which a person experiences unpleasant or upsetting emotions, such as sadness, anxiety or feeling overwhelmed