Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) says Emotional Disturbance (ED) is...
“…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. (3)
In other words- emotional responses that significantly interfere with a student's education
Common conditions defined under the umbrella of ED are
(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. (3)
In other words- emotional responses that significantly interfere with a student's education
Common conditions defined under the umbrella of ED are
- anxiety disorders
- bipolar disorder
- conduct disorders
- eating disorders
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- psychotic disorders.
Prevalence
Out of all the students age 6-21 who are served under IDEA, 8.1% of them are classified as having an emotional disturbance.
Causes
The specific cause for emotional disturbance is unknown, but it can be influenced by factors such as:
- Genetic, neurological and other biological factors
- Family and cultural factors (neighborhood, violence, peer groups)
- Schools' failure to have adequate supports and expectations for students
Diagnosis
Emotional disturbance is "assessed" more so than "diagnosed". The beginning of the diagnostic process begins with recognition of an issue and the presentation of a Psychoeducational Assessment Referral. A rating tool called the Scale for Assessing Emotional Disturbance (SAED) is used to assess students. Different scales used in the assessment are:
Inability to Learn, Relationship Problems, Inappropriate Behavior, Unhappiness or Depression, Physical Symptoms or Fears, Socially Maladjusted, and Adverse Effect on Educational Performance. Children are rated on each of these scales.
Additionally, a questionnaire is completed by the child's parents/guardian/caregiver, and observation forms are filled out to assess behaviors that may qualify a child for emotional disturbance. These observable behaviors are the first five scales: Inability to Learn, Relationship Problems, Inappropriate Behavior, Unhappiness or Depression, and Physical Symptoms or Fears.
If the assessment shows that the student demonstrates the traits described in the definition of emotional disturbance, then services can be received.
Inability to Learn, Relationship Problems, Inappropriate Behavior, Unhappiness or Depression, Physical Symptoms or Fears, Socially Maladjusted, and Adverse Effect on Educational Performance. Children are rated on each of these scales.
Additionally, a questionnaire is completed by the child's parents/guardian/caregiver, and observation forms are filled out to assess behaviors that may qualify a child for emotional disturbance. These observable behaviors are the first five scales: Inability to Learn, Relationship Problems, Inappropriate Behavior, Unhappiness or Depression, and Physical Symptoms or Fears.
If the assessment shows that the student demonstrates the traits described in the definition of emotional disturbance, then services can be received.
References
[Advertisement for SAED2 assessment] [Fact sheet]. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2012, from
http://www.proedinc.com/customer/productView.aspx?id=4759
Emotional disturbance [Fact sheet]. (2010, June). Retrieved November 14, 2012, from National
Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities website: http://nichcy.org/disability/
specific/emotionaldisturbance
How do children qualify for special education services? [Fact sheet]. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14,
2012, from http://school-psychology.org/do-children-qualify-special-education-services
[Advertisement for SAED2 assessment] [Fact sheet]. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2012, from
http://www.proedinc.com/customer/productView.aspx?id=4759
Emotional disturbance [Fact sheet]. (2010, June). Retrieved November 14, 2012, from National
Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities website: http://nichcy.org/disability/
specific/emotionaldisturbance
How do children qualify for special education services? [Fact sheet]. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14,
2012, from http://school-psychology.org/do-children-qualify-special-education-services