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4.2: Emotional Disturbances

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    228265
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    Image Source: Sophia. Creazilla.com. Public Domain

    Emotional Disturbances in Children

    The term emotional disturbance is used in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Other terminology includes emotional disability and emotional or behavioral disorders. These terms refers to psychological disorders that impact a child's behavior, emotions, and moods.

    Background

    • Before the 20th century, people with serious emotional and behavioral disorders were often institutionalized and segregated from society.
    • During the 20th century came the development of professional organizations such as the Council for Exceptional Children (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: A Project for the Re-Education of Emotionally Disturbed Children,” to address the need for affordable and effective mental health services for children at the time.
    • in 1997, the reauthorization of the IDEA meant that emotional disturbance was finally included as a disability classification. Before this time, students with emotional and behavioral disorders were not eligible for special education or related services.

    Defining Emotional Disturbance (IDEA 2004)

    The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) describes "emotional disturbance" as 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 problems.

    Defining Emotional Disturbance (CCBD)

    The Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders (CCBD) is a Special Interest Division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). The CCBD is an advocacy group for children with emotional and behavioral disorders. They use the following characteristics to define students with emotional disturbance:

    • Hyperactivity (short attention span, impulsiveness)
    • Aggression or self-injurious behavior (acting out, fighting)
    • Withdrawal (not interacting socially with others, excessive fear or anxiety)
    • Immaturity (inappropriate crying, temper tantrums, poor coping skills)
    • Learning difficulties (academically performing below grade level)

    girl painting.jpg

    Image Source: Pixabay

    Fig. 4.2. Young girl painting at an easel.

    Inclusion Strategies for the Classroom

    • establish co-teaching relationships and collaboration with service providers
    • establish positive relationships with students and their families in culturally relevant ways
    • create a safe, supportive, and equitable classroom environment
    • develop clear and consistent behavior management plans that involve everyone who works with the student
    • implement proactive social-emotional and/or therapeutic learning programs
    • promote self-care

    Sources


    4.2: Emotional Disturbances is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Western Technical College.

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