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 problems. Some of the characteristics and behaviors seen in children who have emotional disturbances include:

• Hyperactivity (short attention span, impulsiveness);

• Aggression/self-injurious behavior (acting out, fighting);

• Withdrawal (failure to initiate interaction with others);

• retreat from exchanges of social interaction (excessive fear or anxiety);

• Immaturity (inappropriate crying, temper tantrums, poor coping skills); and,

• Learning difficulties (academically performing below grade level).

One of the more public issues associated with the condition of emotional disturbance involves safety and discipline in the school setting. Occasionally, students with emotional disturbance exhibit provocative and disruptive behaviors in school. These behaviors raise issues of discipline and safety in schools. The most recent revisions of PL 101-476 provide more leverage for teachers to suspend and, in some cases, expel students with emotional disturbance who exhibit disruptive behavior. It should be noted that a student assessed as having emotional disturbance does not necessarily exhibit disruptive behaviors and may show more withdrawn symptoms.

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 serious emotional disturbances, these behaviors continue over long periods of time. Their behavior thus signals that they are not coping with their environment or peers.

The educational programs for students with a serious emotional disturbance need to include attention to mastering academics; developing social skills; and, increasing self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-control. Career education (both academic and vocational programs) is also a major part of secondary education and should be a part of every adolescent's transition plan in his or her Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Behavior modification is one of the most widely used approaches to helping children with a serious emotional disturbance. However, there are many other techniques that are also successful -- such as counseling, anger management, and learning contracts that may be used in combination with behavior modification.

Students eligible for special education services under the category of serious emotional disturbance may have IEPs that include psychological or counseling services as a related service. This feature is an important related service which is available under the law and is to be provided by a qualified social worker, psychologist, guidance counselor, or other qualified personnel.

Families of children with emotional disturbances may need help in understanding their children's condition and in learning how to work effectively with them. Help is available from psychiatrists, psychologists, or other mental health professionals in public or private mental health settings. Children should be provided with services based on their individual needs, and all persons who are involved with these children should be aware of the care they are receiving. It is important to coordinate all services between home, school, and the therapeutic community with open communication.

Resources

Adamec, C. (1996). How to live with a mentally ill person: A handbook of day-to-day strategies. New York: John Wiley and Sons. (Telephone: 1-800-323-9872; extension 2497)

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. (1994). A parent's guide to childhood and adolescent depression. New York: Dell. (Telephone: 1-800-323-9872)

Hatfield, A.B. (1991). Coping with mental illness in the family: A family guide. Arlington, VA: National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. (Product #082. See telephone number below.)

Hatfield, A.B., and Lefley, H.P. (1993). Surviving mental illness: Stress, copying, and adaptation. New York: Guilford Press. (Telephone: 1-800-365-7006)

Jordan, D. (1991). A guidebook for parents of children with emotional or behavior disorders. Minneapolis, MN: PACER Center. (Telephone: 1-612-827-2966)

Jordan, D. (1995). Honorable intentions: A parent's guide to educational planning for children with emotional or behavioral disorders. Minneapolis, MN: PACER Center. (Telephone: 1-612-827-2966)

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. (1996). Resource catalog: A listing of resources from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (Rev. ed.). Arlington, VA: Author. (Telephone: 1-703-524-7600; 1-800-950-NAMI]

National Clearinghouse on Family Support and Children's Mental Health. (1993, April). National directory of organizations serving parents of children and youth with emotional and behavioral disorders (3rd ed.). Portland, OR: Author. (Telephone: 1-503-725-4040)

Wood, M.M., and Long, N.J. (1991). Life space interventions: Talking with children and youth in crisis. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed. (Telephone: 1-512-451-3246)

Organizations

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Public Information Office
3615 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
Telephone: 1-202-966-7300
Telephone: 1-800-333-7636
E-Mail: mbel@cap.org
URL: http://www.aacap.org

ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education
Council for Exceptional Children
1920 Association Drive
Reston, VA 22091-1589
Telephone: 1-800-328-0272
Telephone: 1-703-264-9449 (TTY)
E-Mail: eric@cec.sped.org
URL: http://www.cec.sped.org

Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health
1021 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2971
Telephone: 1-703-684-7710
E-Mail: ffcmh@crosslink.com

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
200 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1015
Arlington, VA 22203-3754
Telephone: 1-703-524-7600
Telephone: 1-800-950-NAMI
E-Mail: namiofe@aol.com
URL: http://www.nami.org

National Clearinghouse on Family Support and Children's Mental Health
Portland State University
P.O. Box 751
Portland, OR 97207-0751
Telephone: 1-800-628-1696
Telephone: 1-503-725-4040

National Mental Health Association
1021 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2971
Telephone: 1-703-684-7722
Telephone: 1-800-969-6642
URL: http://www.nmha.org

This information is in the public domain unless otherwise indicated. Readers are encouraged to copy and share it, but please credit the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY):

NICHCY
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
P.O. Box 1492
Washington, DC 20013
Telephone: 1-800-695-0285 (Voice/TT)
E-Mail: nichcy@aed.org
URL: http://www.nichcy.org