EMOTIONAL & BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS 

Description & Indicators: 

We’ve chosen to use the term “emotional disturbance” in this fact sheet because that is the term used in the nation’s special education law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA defines emotional disturbance 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:

   (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.” (2)

 

As defined by 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. (From Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34, §300.8(c)(4)(i))

Source

Students who have emotional and behavioral disturbances exhibit significant behavioral excesses or deficits. These terms refer to patterns of behavior that depart significantly from the expectations of others. In recent years, "behavioral disorders" has gained favor over "emotional disturbance" as a more accurate label leading to more objective decision-making and fewer negative connotations.

IDEA defines serious emotional disturbance (SED) as "a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree, which adversely affects educational performance: An inability to learn which 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."

The federal definition includes children who are diagnosed as schizophrenic, but excludes socially maladjusted children "unless it is determined that they are seriously emotionally disturbed."

Source: 

ACCOMMODATIONS:

• Expose students with behavioral disorders to other students who demonstrate the appropriate behaviors.

• Direct instruction or target behaviors is often required to help students master them.
• Have preestablished consequences for misbehavior.
• Administer consequences immediately, then monitor proper behavior frequently.
• In group activities, acknowledge the contributions of the student with a behavioral disorder.
• Devise a contingency plan with the student in which inappropriate forms of response are replaced by appropriate ones.
• Treat the student with the behavioral disorder as an individual who is deserving of respect and consideration.
• When appropriate, seek input from the student about their strengths, weaknesses and goals.
• Enforce classroom rules consistently.
• Make sure the discipline fits the "crime," without harshness.
• Provide encouragement.
• Reward more than you punish, in order to build self-esteem.
• Praise immediately at all good behavior and performance.
• Change rewards if they are not effective for motivating behavioral change.
• Develop a schedule for applying positive reinforcement in all educational environments.
• Encourage others to be friendly with students who have emotional disorders.
• Monitor the student's self-esteem. Assist in modification, as needed.
• Self-esteem and interpersonal skills are especially essential for all students with emotional disorders.
• Do not expect students with behavioral disorders to have immediate success; work for improvement on a overall basis.
• As a teacher, you should be patient, sensitive, a good listener, fair and consistent in your treatment of students with behavioral disorders.

Source

"I have bipolar disorder... it runs in my family." 

- Ben Stiller

Learn more about bipolar disorder and depression with this video clip below. :) 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzNwLvsA87E