Students of all ages may be affected by mental health issues. It is important to consider the fact that these issues may go undiagnosed and untreated. This page is aimed at teachers to give them the key facts regarding emotional disturbance, along with a list of assistive technologies and resources that may useful when considering students with mental disorders.
There are many terms associated with mental disorders. The Individuals with Disabilities Act, also known as IDEA, (link to overview of the law) uses the term "emotional disturbance" within the nation's special education law. They define this term 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:
(A) An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors.
(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.”In addition to this statement, IDEA add that "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".
The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) lists six types of emotional disturbances.
These include (but are not limited to):
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Conduct disorders
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Psychotic disorders
Key Features for Teachers to Know
It is important that teachers are aware of the issues surrounding the challenges students with emotional disturbance face. This is so we can support them and their disability. Emotional disturbances can affect the way in which a student thinks or feels about themselves. This can affect a student in a variety of ways including the physical, social and cognitive development. Furthermore, this can effect their ability to behave in an appropriate manner. Overall, it is clear to see that this type of disability (that we often cannot see), can significantly effect the students daily functioning including the ability to cope with the ordinary demands of life.
It can be difficult for teachers to identify students with emotional disturbance, as numerous students exhibit signs of this disability at various times during their development. The difference is that students with emotional disturbance display these behaviors over an observable period of time. The following diagram lists some characteristics to look out for.
There are many terms associated with mental disorders. The Individuals with Disabilities Act, also known as IDEA, (link to overview of the law) uses the term "emotional disturbance" within the nation's special education law. They define this term 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:
(A) An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors.
(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.”In addition to this statement, IDEA add that "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".
The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) lists six types of emotional disturbances.
These include (but are not limited to):
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Conduct disorders
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Psychotic disorders
Key Features for Teachers to Know
It is important that teachers are aware of the issues surrounding the challenges students with emotional disturbance face. This is so we can support them and their disability. Emotional disturbances can affect the way in which a student thinks or feels about themselves. This can affect a student in a variety of ways including the physical, social and cognitive development. Furthermore, this can effect their ability to behave in an appropriate manner. Overall, it is clear to see that this type of disability (that we often cannot see), can significantly effect the students daily functioning including the ability to cope with the ordinary demands of life.
It can be difficult for teachers to identify students with emotional disturbance, as numerous students exhibit signs of this disability at various times during their development. The difference is that students with emotional disturbance display these behaviors over an observable period of time. The following diagram lists some characteristics to look out for.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness website has created a brief, informative video on the warning signs aimed at teens. This highlights the need to consider individuals and the challenges they face.
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It is difficult to pinpoint the cause of emotional disturbance. There are some factor that are possible causes. These include biological, family, school, and culture. More specifically this may include brain disorders, family situation, death of family member, or diet to name a few. "Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan", National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). In addition to this comment from the NAMI website, I invite you to watch this rather emotional video created by a small group of students. They claim this video give "people's opinions of what Emotional Disturbance is". When I watched it, I got so much more out of it than a simply a definition. The way they cover their faces and the thought process that is behind this video made me think about students with emotional disturbance. It made me want to do more to help these students. |
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Assistive Technologies, Adaptations and Resources for Teachers
I hope that this web page so far has highlighted some key pieces of information to allow you to think about what can be done to help students with emotional disturbances. As a teacher, you can implement assistive technologies, or classroom adaptations to help make life a bit easier for these students. Ways to help students with emotional disturbance may also be stated in the IEP. This may include distraction-free environments for tests, extended time. Collaborate with other professionals who are involved in creating the IEP (psychotherapist, behavioral therapist, etc.) aim to identify specific ways to support the student.
It may be useful to assess times when a particular student acts negatively. It may be useful to consider allowing students to sit where they feel comfortable. This ideally is close enough to the teacher, and away from peers who the student has negative interactions with. Teach classroom skills i.e. the way in which you expect students to behave during everyday tasks. This may be lining up, entering the room, or taking turns in group tasks.
Students with emotional disturbance need to understand the rules and consequences of behaviors. This might include behavioral support apps (such as Teacher's Assistant Pro and Class Dojo as discussed on web page Assistive Technology and ASD). Another example is the app Motivaider. It's main feature is a timer that buzzes after a certain period of time to help children stay focused. This acts as a reminder to students rather than the teacher telling them, therefor increases independence for the learner.
In addition to this, it is very important to celebrate success with students and reinforce positive behavior whenever possible. Within ASH, we have numerous informal and formal ways to do this. One idea I particularly liked was implemented by the Learning Support Department. Students working in this department created awards for each other, after they were given a category (e.g. academic, social, physical). Students created a personalized certificate stating what they wanted to congratulate their peer on. It was also kept private, in the form of a lunch party. From my understanding this was feel good event, that students responded to very well.
I believe it is important for students to have self control and good judgement, however students with emotional disabilities can really struggle to do this on their own. Having a safe zone (within or outwith the classroom) can give students the break they may sometimes need. And of course this can come in many forms!
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This can go hand in hand with some type of personal recording sheet/chart. This can help students keep track of positive reinforcements, or goals. Any motivational tool that can be individualized for the student with emotional disturbance. Please see attached Article 1 for an interesting read on the use of points systems, with a nice example of a chart for use by students. For teens, a diary may be a good way to channel their thoughts and help students focus on the positives. Ultimately these are easy to implement and may help students, teachers and parents discuss and help those with emotional disturbances.
Additional Websites
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders
Medline - Child Behavior Disorders provides links to numerous specific information on emotional disturbance.
Centre for Parent Information and Resources
School Psychologist Files has an interesting section to read on "General Characteristics of Emotional Disturbance vs. Social Maladjustment" if you would like more information on this topic.
The DoToLearn website provides us with an extensive list of emotional disturbance strategies that can also be considered for use in the classroom.
Additional Websites
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders
Medline - Child Behavior Disorders provides links to numerous specific information on emotional disturbance.
Centre for Parent Information and Resources
School Psychologist Files has an interesting section to read on "General Characteristics of Emotional Disturbance vs. Social Maladjustment" if you would like more information on this topic.
The DoToLearn website provides us with an extensive list of emotional disturbance strategies that can also be considered for use in the classroom.
| nami_facts.pdf |
| article_1.pdf |