Emotional Disturbance

Many terms are used to describe emotional, behavioral or mental disorders. Currently, students with such disorders are categorized as having an emotional disturbance, which is defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as follows:

    "...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." [Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34, Section 300.7(c)(4)(i)] As defined by the IDEA, emotional disturbance includes schizophrenia but does not apply to children who are socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that they have an emotional disturbance. [Code of Federal Regulation, Title 34, Section 300.7(c)(4)(ii)]

During the 2002-2003 school year, 232 children and youth with an emotional disturbance were provided special education and related services in Kern County public schools. 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 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 therapeutic community with open communication. More...

A publication of the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities highlights that educational programs for children with an emotional disturbance need to include attention to providing emotional and behavioral support as well as helping them to master academics, develop social skills, and increase self-awareness, self-control, and self-esteem. A large body of research exists regarding methods of providing students with positive behavioral support (PBS) in the school environment, so that problem behaviors are minimized and positive, appropriate behaviors are fostered. It is also important to know that, within the school setting:

  • For a child whose behavior impedes learning (including the learning of others), the team developing the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) needs to consider, if appropriate, strategies to address that behavior, including positive behavioral interventions, strategies, and supports.

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

  • Career education (both vocational and academic) is also a major part of secondary education and should be a part of the transition plan included in every adolescent’s IEP.

RESOURCES

OTHER RELATED SELPA RESOURCES

ORGANIZATIONS

    There is growing recognition that families, as well as their children, need support, respite care, intensive case management, and a collaborative, multi-agency approach to services. Kern County is working toward providing these wrap-around services. There are a growing number of agencies and organizations actively involved in establishing support services in the community.
    Local
  • Kern County Department of Mental Health
  • H.E.A.R.T.S Connection
    Meetings are held monthly throughout Kern County for family members and friends. Meetings provide information on organizations and services and opportunities to meet other families to share joys, challenges and information. For more information, please call 661.328.9055.
  • HelpLine
    HelpLine is a comprehensive computerized information and referral service designed to link people in need with the appropriate community and human services. If you need help finding a community resource for health care, jobs, counseling, or housing, or need to locate services for children, seniors or persons with disabilities, please call 661.336.5200 or 1.800.273.2275
  • Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic
    The Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic provides the services and resources necessary to prevent and treat emotional and behavioral problems for Kern County children and their families. For more information or to make an initial appointment, please call the Child Guidance Clinic at 661.322.1021 Bakersfield or 661.725.1042 Delano
  • Kern County Department of Human Services
    A service related organization providing aid and services to the children and adults of Kern County including financial and medical aid, food and employment assistance and child welfare services including foster placement, adoption and family reunification.

    National

  • The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
  • Center for Effective Collaboration and Practice
  • Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

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