The Behaviour Iceberg Explained
What it means when we reference a behaviour iceberg
According to Google trends, the ADHD iceberg is one of the most frequently searched ADHD-related terms.
I’m sure most people have seen some variation of the image below floating around online.
It’s a pretty good visual to help us understand that the externalized behaviour we see is only a very small piece of the puzzle. Why is it so important to understand this, and why is it such a popular conceptualization?
Human beings, especially neurodivergent people and those who have experienced trauma, are highly complex.
When we have spent our lives having to mask, camouflage, or hide true parts of ourselves as a matter of self-protection, then what you see on the outside may not even match what we’re feeling on the inside.
We are very quick to assume a person’s intent based on the behaviour we observe: A child not following directions is being disobedient or defiant, a child crying and yelling is throwing a “tantrum”, a child responding with anger is being aggressive.
