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Laher, Maralou C.

IV-A Psychology

SPED

Emotional/Behavioral Disorders

Definition 

Many terms are used to describe emotional, behavioral or mental disorders. Currently, students with such disorders are categorized as having an emotional disturbance, which is defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as follows: "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:

* An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors

* An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers

* Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances

* A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression

* A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school factors.

* [Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34, Section 300.7(c)(4)(i)]

As defined by the IDEA, emotional disturbance includes schizophrenia but does not apply to children who are socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that they have an emotional disturbance. [Code of Federal Regulation, Title 34, Section 300.7(c)(4)(ii)]

Identification

Characteristics which identify an individual as having a behavior disorders are demonstrated in a variety of settings, with little consideration or understanding of social or cultural rules.

Academic characteristics

* Disrupts classroom activities

* Impulsive

* Inattentive, distractible

* Preoccupied

* Does not follow or appear to care about classroom rules

* Poor concentration

* Resistance to change and transitions in routines

* Often speaks out with irrelevant information or without regard to turn taking rules 

* Demonstrates aggressive behavior

* Intimidates and bullies other students

* Regularly absent from school

* consistently blames...