EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE OVERVIEW

Educational Definition Summary:

• Inability to learn
• Inability to form meaningful relationships
• Inappropriate behaviors or feelings
• Pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression
• Tendency to develop physical symptoms
• Not a transient condition (moving away quickly)
• Doesn’t apply to students who are socially maladjusted (ODD,CD)

Eligibility Criteria for Emotional Disturbance

• Demonstrates serious behavior problems over a long time
• -2 Standard.Deviations below the mean in emotional functions
• Adverse effect on educational performance is verified

1.Severe discrepancy between ability and achievement

2.Wide variability/inconsistency in daily achievement/performance that is not based upon

such things as a LD. (Thorough review of grading, assignment-handing-in behavior)

3.Significant decline in overall performance as outlined by grading practices

4.Inability to concentrate and/or participate as directed by the adult which is not

consistent with developmental level (attentional issues, preoccupation with issues other

than school)

5.Inability to attend school because of emotional reasons (school phobia)

6.Unrealistic perceptions of school/or home expectations

7.An inability to maintain relationships with adults/peers which prevents the student from

participating in classroom learning (depression, etc.)

Common disciplinary actions can not act as the sole determination of eligibility eg. Smoking,

truancy, breaking school rules

Note: Children with emotional disturbance tend to express ownership of their problem.

Children with a CD, on the other hand, do not typically assume responsibility for their

behavior, its implications, or consequences.

Prevalence

In the U.S. 0.92% of students in K-12 are listed as having emotional disturbance. This percentage remains relatively consistent year to year.