Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities

Andrea Chavez

What does it mean?Emotional and behavioral disorders are characterized by behavioral or

emotional responses in school programs so different from

appropriate age, cultural, or ethnic norms that they adversely affect

educational performance.

Approximately 8.3 million of children, or 14%, ages 4– 17 years old are thought to have emotional or behavioral

disabilities

There is not an actual known cause although several factors, such as

biological, environmental, family, and school have all

been researched.

Rate of Occurrence and Cause

Behavioral characteristicsSome characteristics of children with emotional and behavioral disabilities include:

Aggression – acting out, fighting

Learning difficulties – performing below grade level

Behavioral characteristics

Withdrawal – not interacting socially w/ others

Immaturity – inappropriate crying, temper tantrums, poor coping skills

Hyperactivity – short attention span, impulsiveness

continued

Physical CharacteristicsThere are no physical symptoms that are observable in a child with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Characteristics are identified by observing behavior patterns of a child over a period of time.

Educational needs

A major goal in helping children with emotional and behavioral disabilities is to keep a major emphasis on positive interventions and strategies

Some children can function in a regular classroom setting with the help of an aid

Others may need a self-contained or pull out program for all or a part of their day

Develop positive behavior intervention plan as part of IEP

ResourcesReynolds, C. R. 2010. Behavior Assessment

System for Children. Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology. 1–2.

http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities/EmotionalDisorder.html

http://www.gradebook.org/favicon.icoBauer, Anne and Keefe, Charlotte. Students

with Learning Disabilities or Emotional/Behavioral Disorders.

OrganizationsAmerican Academy of Child and Adolescent

PsychiatryCenter on Positive Behavioral Interventions

and SupportsCouncil for Exceptional ChildrenCenter for Disability and DevelopmentNational Clearinghouse on Family Support

and Children’s Mental Health

Parent ResourcesEmotional or Behavioral DisordersMatrix Parent Network and Resource CenterPARKER DIAGNOSTIC SOLUTIONS - Trust O

ur Experience... > Parent Resources

Strategies to help in classConsistent and specific praiseWord processing software help them to edit

and revise their workInvolve parents and students in setting rules,

using as few rules as possible, and post them around the room

Avoid making threats. Students respond better to positive, corrective feedback

Teach social skills

BibliographyBehavior disorders in childrenScribd RSS feedEmotional DisturbanceEmotional Behavioral Disorders in ClassEmotional Disturbance - Project IDEALhttp://www.theteachersguide.com/EmoDistFa

ctSheet.html