Emotional Disturbance
Samantha Lawyer
Definition/Prevalence
Sec. 300.8 (c) (4)
(4)
(i) Emotional disturbance means 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.

Causes



(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.
(ii) Emotional disturbance includes schizophrenia. The term
does not apply to children who are socially maladjusted,
unless it is determined that they have an emotional
disturbance under paragraph (c)(4)(i) of this section.

genetics, family
history
malformation of the
brain, brain
disorders
diet/poor
nutrition/food
insecurity
trauma
family dysfunction
bullying

Other names






Emotional
Disturbance
Emotional Disability
ED
Emotional
Disturbance Disorder
Emotional
Impairment
Emotional Disorder
5.45% of students with disabilities in 2018–19 were
identified with emotional disturbance
Formal diagnosis is not needed
Characteristics/Impact on learning/education
 Characteristics







Hyperactivity
Aggression or self-injurious
behavior
Withdrawal
Poor decision-making
Impulsivity
Immaturity
Learning difficulties
 Suspension
Research-based differentiated strategy
“Whole
child”
approach
Counseling
services
Safe
environment
Individualized
Transition
Plan (ITP)
Related services/helpful assistive
technology/equipment
Counseling services
and ITP
Supporting
academic
performance
Allowing the
student to choose
between classroom
tasks
Consistent,
specific, and
genuine praise
Quiet area to
work/take tests
“preferential
seating” near the
teacher
“Hot pass” or “cool
off card” that lets
the student leave
class
Headphones
Others getting frustrated with the student
Disrupts flow of class
Impact of
social
acceptance
Anxiety disorders
Bipolar disorder
Conduct disorders
Eating disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Psychotic disorders.
A success story
When Alex was in elementary school, they were a very difficult
child. They had meltdowns on the regular and got suspended from
school quite often. They had no friends until fourth grade and even
then, they had a hard time maintaining friends. They struggled a lot
in school and had below-grade-level ELA and math skills. By the
time Alex was in fourth grade they almost got expelled and in fifth
grade they had to go to anger management. Over time Alex noticed
the impact of their actions on their future and took action. Now
Alex has graduated high school and is attending college. They plan
on making a difference in the education world so kids like them can
feel safe at school and get the help they need.
References
• By Office of Special Education Programs. (2020, May 6). OSEP Releases Fast Facts: Children Identified With
Emotional Disturbance. Office of Special Education and rehabilitative services blog.
https://sites.ed.gov/osers/2020/05/osep-releases-fast-facts-children-identified-with-emotionaldisturbance/
• Kansas State Department of Education. (2020, June). Emotional Disturbance. https://www.ksde.org/.
ksde.org/Portals/0/ECSETS/FactSheets/FactSheet-SpEd-ED.pdf
• Lightner, L. (2023a, February 8). Understanding the emotional disturbance IEP category: IEP Goals,
accommodations, examples. A Day in our Shoes. https://adayinourshoes.com/emotional-disturbancecategory-iep-criteria-accommodations/#:~:text=Characteristics%20of%20Emotional%20Disturbance,Some%20of%20the&text=Withdrawal%20(not%20interacting%20socially%20with,temper%20tantrums%2C%20p
oor%20coping%20skills)
• Lightner, L. (2023b, August 10). Printable list of IEP and 504 accommodations for disabled students. A Day
in our Shoes. https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-504-accommodations-strategies/
• Sec. 300.8 (C) (4). Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (2017, May 2).
https://sites.ed.gov/idea/regs/b/a/300.8/c/4
• Statewide Evaluation Group. (2011, December 6). Quick guide: Emotional disturbance - esc14.net.
https://www.esc14.net/upload/page/0170/docs/Quick%20Guide-ED.pdf