Emotional Disturbance (ED)

IDEA Definition
❖ A condition exhibiting 1 or more of the following characteristics over a long
period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects educational
performance.

Common Characteristics of ED
❖ Inability to learn but not due to intellectual, sensory, or health reasons
❖ Inability to build and keep interpersonal relationships with others
❖ Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings
❖ Unwelcoming mood of unhappiness or depression
❖ Tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears related to
personal problems

Academic
❖ Easily flustered
❖ Use of inappropriate language
❖ Inconsistent with following directions
❖ Shows deficits in pragmatic communication

Social
❖ Relationship troubles
❖ Includes lying or stealing
❖ Lacks a sense of fair play
❖ Difficulty reading social cues

Behavioral Physical/Health
❖ Fidgety ❖ Eating disorders
❖ Impulsive acts ❖ Physically abused
❖ Easily distracted ❖ Sleepy, anxious,
❖ Verbally/Physically nervous, withdrawn,
aggressive fantasizing
 Educational Approaches
❖ Building ❖ Social skill instruction
relationships ❖ Behavior specific praise
❖ Direct and ❖ Structured instructional
systematic and transition times
instruction ❖ Use visuals to
❖ Modeling (Think demonstrate
Aloud) ❖ Connect to student’s
❖ Unison responding life

Effective
Instructional
Strategies
❖ Journaling
❖ Movement
❖ Provide choice
❖ Schedule short breaks
❖ Teach graphic organizers
❖ Visual timers
❖ Safe environment
❖ Teach self-correction
❖ Have high expectations
❖ Provide immediate feedback

Common Accommodations
❖ Audio texts ❖ Check-in/out
❖ Behavior contracts ❖ Mini breaks
❖ Cool down area ❖ ‘positive’ BIP