Lesson 1 - Emotional - Behavioral Disorders

Presentation of Theoretical Construct

 

Lecture Information:

Emotional - Behavioral Disorders

                                                        i.      IDEA definition:
Many terms are used to describe emotional, behavioral or mental disorders. Currently, students with such disorders are categorized as having an emotional disturbance, which is defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  It is defined as 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,

1.  An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors.

2.  An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers.

3.  Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances.

4.  A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression.

5.  A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems." [Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34, Section 300.7(c)(4)(i)]

                                                   ii.      Characteristics:
The causes of emotional disturbance have not been adequately determined. Although various factors such as heredity, brain disorder, diet, stress, and family functioning have been suggested as possible causes, research has not shown any of these factors to be the direct cause of behavior or emotional problems. Some of the characteristics and behaviors seen in children who have emotional disturbances include the following.

1.  Hyperactivity (short attention span, impulsiveness)

2.  Aggression/self-injurious behavior (acting out, fighting)

3.  Withdrawal (failure to initiate interaction with others; retreat from exchanges of social interaction, excessive fear or anxiety)

4.  Immaturity (inappropriate crying, temper tantrums, poor coping skills)

5.  Learning difficulties (academically performing below grade level).

6.  Children with the most serious emotional disturbances may exhibit distorted thinking, excessive anxiety, bizarre motor acts, and abnormal mood swings. Some are identified as children who have a severe psychosis or schizophrenia.

                                              iii.      Considerations:
Many children who do not have emotional disturbances may display some of these same behaviors at various times during their development. However, when children have an emotional disturbance, these behaviors continue over long periods of time. Their behavior thus signals that they are not coping with their environment or peers. As defined by the IDEA, emotional disturbance includes schizophrenia but does not apply to children who are socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that they have an emotional disturbance. [Code of Federal Regulation, Title 34, Section 300.7(c)(4)(ii)]

 

                                                   iv.      One type of emotional behavioral disorder is oppositional defiant disorder:
A pattern of negativistic, hostile, and defiant behavior lasting at least 6 months, during which four (or more) of the following are present.

1.  often loses temper, with adults, defies or refuses to comply with adults' requests or rules, annoys people, blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior, touchy or easily annoyed by others, and resentful, spiteful or vindictive

2.  Consider a criterion met only if the behavior occurs more frequently than is typically observed in individuals of comparable age and developmental level.  The disturbance in behavior causes clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.  The behaviors do not occur exclusively during the course of a Psychotic or Mood Disorder.

 

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