Stereotypy: Challenging Behaviour or Adaptive Response

Abstract

This paper examines the rationale used to justify the decision to reduce stereotyped behaviour in people with mental retardation. In general, three assumptions seem to be made in justifying the reduction of stereotyped behaviour. These are that the presence of stereotyped behaviour interferes with the acquisition of new skills, that it may lead to the development of self-injurious behaviour, and that it can have negative social consequences. Each of these assumptions are examined in turn and it is concluded that although evidence can be found to support each, there are frequent exceptions. This suggests that the adoption of a general rule justifying the reduction of stereotypy is inappropriate without first undertaking an individual functional analysis.