Exceptionalities

Emotional Disturbance

Emotional disturbance means 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:

  1. An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors;
  2. An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers;
  3. Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances;
  4. A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression;
  5. A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems; or
  6. Schizophrenia.

Types

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Conduct disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Psychotic disorders
  • Depressive disorders

Possible Signs and Characteristics

Some of the characteristics and behaviors seen in children who have an emotional disturbance include:

  • 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)

Children with the most serious emotional disturbances may exhibit: 

  • Distorted thinking
  • Excessive anxiety
  • Bizarre motor acts
  • Abnormal mood swings

Teaching Tips/Instructional Strategies 

Educational programs for children with an emotional disturbance need to include attention to both emotional and behavioral support, as well as helping them to master:

  • Academics
  • Develop social skills
  • Increase self-awareness
  • Increase self-control
  • Increase self-esteem

Strategies include:

  • Rules and routines that are predictable
  • Consistent rewards for appropriate behavior
  • Behavior management techniques such as: Positive reinforcement, token economy, contracts, and a cool-down area
  • Systematic teaching of social skills through modeling, discussion, and rehearsal are provided to help students increase control over their behavior and improve their relations with others
  • Supportive therapies involving music, art, exercise, and relaxation techniques
  • Individual and group counseling to improve self-understanding, self-esteem, and self-control

Resources

Was this page helpful?
This feedback is reviewed monthly to help us improve our site. For immediate assistance please refer to our employee directory.
Optionally, please provide your contact information so that we may reach out to you for more information.
Contact info

This feedback is reviewed regularly to help us improve our site. For immediate service and support please refer to our employee directory.