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: • An inability to learn which cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or other 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. Emotional disturbance includes schizophrenia. The term does not apply to children who are socially maladjusted unless it is determined that they (also) have an emotional disturbance under paragraph 34 CFR Sec. 300.8(c)(4)(i). (34 CFR Sec. 300.8(c)(4))
Resources
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders
National Association of School Psychologists
National Mental Health Information (NAMI) New Mexico
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
