Organising a Halloween Party: Neurodiverse Individuals and the DISA Behavioural Model
The DISA behavioural model, (known sometimes as DISC) is rooted in the work of psychologist William Marston and later popularised by Thomas Erikson, offers a framework for understanding four key behavioural types:
Red (Dominance)
Yellow (Influence)
Green (Steadiness)
Blue (Compliance).
While this model is a valuable tool for improving communication and teamwork, its application becomes more nuanced when considering neurodiverse individuals. These individuals, who may have conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or dyslexia, often exhibit traits that may interact with or obscure their underlying DISA behaviour.
The Four Colours of DISA and How They Delegate
In a Halloween party planning scenario, each DISA colour would lead and delegate responsibilities in distinct ways. Below, we outline how each type might approach this, followed by considerations regarding neurodiverse interventions.
Red (Dominance) – The Leader of Action
Individuals with Red traits are assertive, driven, and results-oriented. When tasked with organising a Halloween party, a Red personality would quickly take charge, keen on making swift decisions and ensuring the event runs smoothly.
Red’s Delegation Plan:
Yellow: “You handle the decorations and entertainment. I know you’ll make it exciting and fun, but keep it within budget.”
Green: “You’re great with people, so take care of the guest list and catering. Ensure everyone feels welcomed, and make sure the food caters to all preferences.”
Blue: “You’re responsible for the schedule and health and safety. Make sure everything runs like clockwork, and double-check that we meet all safety regulations.”
Neurodiverse Considerations: A neurodiverse Red might struggle with rigidity or focus, especially in individuals with ADHD, who may find it difficult to stick to schedules or delegate without micromanaging. Red individuals could become overly focused on small details, especially if they have anxiety or OCD, potentially disrupting their usual ability to drive decisions forward.
Yellow (Influence) – The Enthusiastic Motivator
Yellows are outgoing, sociable, and energetic. Their primary focus when organising a Halloween party would be to ensure that it’s creative and entertaining, motivating others through their infectious enthusiasm.
Yellow’s Delegation Plan:
Red: “I need you to take charge of logistics, setting up the venue, and ensuring everything stays on track. You’re great at getting things done!”
Green: “Could you take care of invitations and guest management? Make sure everyone knows they’re welcome and that we’ve got everything covered.”
Blue: “I trust you to plan the event schedule and make sure we don’t run out of time. Can you also oversee the budget and keep us organised?”
Neurodiverse Considerations: A neurodiverse Yellow with ADHD may find it difficult to maintain focus on the logistics of planning. Their enthusiasm might lead them to take on too many tasks, only to become overwhelmed or distracted by new ideas. Interventions such as setting clear timelines and breaking tasks into smaller chunks may help.
Green (Steadiness) – The Supportive Collaborator
Greens are dependable, empathetic, and conflict-averse. They value harmony and are likely to focus on making sure everyone involved in the Halloween party feels included and valued.
Green’s Delegation Plan:
Red: “I’d love for you to handle the logistics and time management. You’re great at keeping things running smoothly, and we need your skills here.”
Yellow: “Can you take care of the decorations and atmosphere? I know your creative energy will make the party fun and exciting for everyone.”
Blue: “Would you mind managing the safety checks and budget? Your attention to detail will make sure nothing gets missed.”
Neurodiverse Considerations: For a neurodiverse Green, situations involving conflict or last-minute changes can be stressful. They may avoid making difficult decisions, leading to delays. Interventions such as offering reassurance or practising assertiveness skills can help them manage their tendencies to retreat in the face of stress or uncertainty.
Blue (Compliance) – The Analytical Planner
Blues are detail-oriented, logical, and systematic. Their focus on accuracy and structure makes them well-suited to planning a Halloween party down to the smallest detail, from budgets to safety protocols.
Blue’s Delegation Plan:
Red: “You’re perfect for managing the execution of the event. Make sure everything happens on time and deal with any last-minute issues.”
Yellow: “Can you work on the creative elements like decorations and entertainment? Just make sure everything fits within the budget and aligns with our theme.”
Green: “I’d appreciate it if you could take care of hospitality and ensuring guests feel comfortable. You’re great at making sure everyone feels at ease.”
Neurodiverse Considerations: A neurodiverse Blue may struggle with perfectionism, especially if they have traits associated with OCD or ASD. They may spend too much time on details, causing delays or difficulty in making decisions. Cognitive-behavioural strategies or flexibility training can help them balance their need for precision with the reality of time constraints.