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5.2: A Brief History of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

  • Page ID
    178822

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    Before the twentieth century, people with serious emotional and behavioral disorders were often institutionalized and segregated from society. With the twentieth century came the development of professional organizations such as the CEC and the American Orthopsychiatric Association, which advocated for the rights of people with emotional and behavioral disorders. In addition, mental health interventions for children with emotional and behavioral disorders became increasingly available through programs such as Project Re-Ed (Hobbs, 1966). However, it was not until the 1997 reauthorization of the IDEA that emotional disturbance was included as a disability classification. Before this time, students with emotional and behavioral disorders were not eligible for special education or related services.


    Hobbs, N. (1966). Helping the disturbed child: Psychological and ecological strategies. American Psychologist, 21(12), 1105–1115.