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Emotional Disturbance

The federal definition of emotional disturbance includes five characteristics: (1) an inability to learn that cannot be explained by other factors, (2) an inability to build or maintain relationships, (3) inappropriate behavior or feelings, (4) a general mood of unhappiness or depression, and (5) physical symptoms associated with problems. Emotional disturbance can include schizophrenia but excludes social maladjustment unless determined to be an emotional disturbance. Beneficial instructional strategies for students with emotional disturbances include keeping instruction structured, giving choices and praise, communicating with parents, and creating a supportive environment.

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181 views2 pages

Emotional Disturbance

The federal definition of emotional disturbance includes five characteristics: (1) an inability to learn that cannot be explained by other factors, (2) an inability to build or maintain relationships, (3) inappropriate behavior or feelings, (4) a general mood of unhappiness or depression, and (5) physical symptoms associated with problems. Emotional disturbance can include schizophrenia but excludes social maladjustment unless determined to be an emotional disturbance. Beneficial instructional strategies for students with emotional disturbances include keeping instruction structured, giving choices and praise, communicating with parents, and creating a supportive environment.

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By Lauren McDaniel 22

What is Emotional Disturbance?


The federal definition of emotional disturbance is:
(i) Emotional disturbance means a condition exhibiting one or more of the
following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child's educational performance:
(A) An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory,
or health factors.
(B) An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships
with peers and teachers.
(C) Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances.
(D) A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression.
(E) A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with
personal or school problems.
(ii) Emotional disturbance includes schizophrenia. The term does not apply
to children who are socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that they
have an emotional disturbance under paragraph (c)(4)(i) of this section.

Characteristics

Hyperactivity, short attention span, impulsiveness

Aggression

Withdrawal from social interactions with peers


and adults

Anxiety and fear

Mood of unhappiness or depression

Learning difficulties

Difficulty maintaining personal relationship

Externalizing and/or internalizing behaviors

Immaturity

Beneficial Instructional Strategies

Increase academic
engagement

Give the student


choices between
classroom tasks

Keep instruction
structured

Work with students


in small groups

Help student set up


personalized goals

Communicate with parents

Keep environment engaging and interesting

Create and use behavior contracts

Give consistent
and
specific
praise

Create a support system for student including teachers and Classroom Accommodations
parents
Create a cool off zone in the classroom
Arrange classroom seating to encourage social
interaction

Strengths in Children with


Emotional Disturbance

Independence

Development of self-control and selfregulation techniques

Educator Resources

Acceptance of other students

www.idea.ed.gov

Perseverance

Behavioral Disorders
(journal)

NICHCY

www.apa.org

www.pbis.org

Keeping Parents Involved


It is important to stay connected with parents so that similar strategies and expectations are being used at home and at school.

Hold parent-teacher conferences

E-mail and phone calls

Send notes to and from home

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