Special Education Resource Guide Disability Fact Sheet

Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities
1. Define emotional/behavioral disabilities.

Emotional/behavioral disorder (EBD) is defined by IDEA under "emotional disturbance"

as a condition exhibiting one or more specific emotional and/or behavioral difficulties
over a long period of time and to a marked degree, which adversely affects educational
performance.

2. Describe learning characteristics of students with emotional/behavioral

disabilities.

Hyperactivity (short attention span, impulsiveness);

Aggression or self-injurious behavior (acting out, fighting);
Withdrawal (not interacting socially with others, excessive fear or anxiety);
Immaturity (inappropriate crying, temper tantrums, poor coping skills); and
Learning difficulties (academically performing below grade level).

3. List and describe emotional/behavioral disability categories (classifications).

Anxiety disorders
Disruptive behavioral disorders
Dissociative disorders
Emotional disorders
Pervasive developmental disorders

Emotional and behavioral disorders are classified into two types which are internalizing
and externalizing. Internalizing behaviors are what the child feels inside such as
worry, fear, self-consciousness, sadness, and happiness. Externalizing behaviors are
what the child displays to others such as disobedience, aggressiveness, and
hyperactivity. There are several different types of emotional/behavioral disorders that
fall in one or both of these two categories
4. Describe Federal (IDEA) or state criteria that must be met for a child to be eligible to
receive support for emotional/behavioral disabilities. Note: MUST cite source of
information.
IDEA defines emotional disturbance 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 childs educational performance:

An inability to learn that 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.

A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or

school problems.
http://www.parentcenterhub.org/emotionaldisturbance/#causes

5. Discuss at least three causes or possible causes of emotional/behavioral

disabilities.

Some biological causes may include:

Physical illness or disability

Malnutrition
Brain damage
Hereditary factors

Other factors related to an individuals home life may contribute to behaviors associated
with a behavioral disorder:

Divorce or other emotional upset at home

Coercion from parents
Unhealthy or inconsistent discipline style
Poor attitude toward education or schooling
6. List and describe at least one resource specific to emotional/behavioral
disabilities. Note: A resource is not an article on the Internet, but an organization
specific to this disability category would be appropriate.

Families of children with mental health, emotional and behavioral needs often navigate
multiple systems to access necessary supports and services. Families may also face
additional challenges due to stigma about mental health. PACERs Inspiring
Opportunities Project will bring together parents, youth and professionals to help
families receive the resources and support their children need. This project will also
promote increased understanding of childrens mental health, emotional, and behavioral
need in the broader community.