Emotional Disability

Federal and state regulations define emotional disability 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; or

• A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems.

The term children who are schizophrenic, but does not include children who are socially maladjusted unless it is determined that they are emotionally disturbed.

In considering students as having an emotional disability the multidisciplinary team must answer if the behaviors have existed over a long period of time, not just on occasion or for a short period of time; and to a serious degree, that interferes with their learning. Identification of students with emotional disability may, like other disabilities span a range from mild to moderate or severe. It is common for the terms emotional disturbance or disability and behavioral disorder to be used interchangeably. 

Resources

• Better Serving Students with Emotional Disabilities: A Virginia Plan, August 23, 2010

  • Summit Proceedings (PDF)

  • Evidence-based Practices and References (PDF)

  • Presentation – Robert Gable and Stephen Tonelson (PDF)

  • Presentation – Richard Van Acker (PDF)

• Guidelines for Conducting Functional Behavioral Assessment and Developing Behavior Intervention and Supports/Strategies (PDF)
  • Appendix A Form:

    • Functional Assessment Checklist for Teachers and Staff (FACTS-Part A) (PDF)

    • Functional Behavioral Assessment Interview Forms (PDF)

    • ABC Observation Form and Functional Assessment Scatterplot (PDF)

    • Problem Behavior Questionnaire (PDF)

• Guidance Document on Manifestation Determination (PDF) – Document currently under revision
• Training & Technical Assistance Centers (TTAC)

Outside Resources

• Federal Agencies

  • The U.S. Departments of Education's Office of Special Education Programs

  • Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)

  • Office for Civil Rights

• State Agencies

  • Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

  • TTAC Online – A community linking people and resources to help children and youth with disabilities.