Definition of Emotional Disturbance
Many terms are used to describe emotional, behavioral or mental disorders. Currently, students with such disorders are categorized as having a serious emotional disturbance, which is defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 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 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; or
    (E) A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems." [Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34, Section 300.7(b)(9)]
As defined by the IDEA, serious emotional disturbance includes schizophrenia but does not apply to children who are socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that they have a serious emotional disturbance. [Code of Federal Regulation, Title 34, Section 300.7(b)(9)]

It is important to know that the Federal government is currently reviewing the way in which serious emotional disturbance is defined and that the definition may be revised.
Definition • Characteristics • Educational Implications • References • National Organizations • Disabilities Defined

 

 

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