Emotional Disturbance (ED)

According to the Texas Education Agency (2019) Emotional Disturbance 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."

Common traits/characteristics 

• A short attention span or impulsiveness

• Acting out through self injury or through acts of aggression

• Does not socially interact with others

• Lower academic performance

Educational challenges:

• Due to the traits and characteristics of aggression, inattentiveness, and impulsiveness, this makes it very challenging for students to cope with the routine of daily tasks especially in the classroom and other social interactions.

Tips/ recommendations for teachers:

• The teacher can help the student to create goals that support and promote appropriate social interactions.

• Planning and goal setting is key.

• Indicate explicitly the behavior expectations and the consequences for misbehaving.