UNDERSTANDING AND RELATING TO THE EMOTIONALLY DISABLED CHILD :UNDERSTANDING AND RELATING TO THE EMOTIONALLY DISABLED CHILD Lou Alonso ED443 – UOG Dr. J. Cyrus


Objectives: At the end of this presentation, you should be able to: :Objectives: At the end of this presentation, you should be able to: 1.List the 3 criteria that define a child with an emotional disability. 2.List the 5 characteristics of a child with an emotional disability according to IDEA 3. List the 4 dimensions of disordered behavior 4. List the possible causes of emotional disturbance 5. List 10 traits of effective teachers and staff 6.List 5 strategies to address behavior


ED Five Characteristics :ED Five Characteristics 1. An inability to learn which cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors; 2. An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers; 3. Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances; 4. A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression or 5. Tendency to develop physical symptoms of fears associated with personal or school problems


ED Definition and Criteria :ED Definition and Criteria “A condition exhibiting one or more of the following (5) characteristics with this Criteria: Over a long period of time To a marked degree, which Adversely affects educational performance” (IDEA)


ED Dimensions of Disordered Behavior :ED Dimensions of Disordered Behavior 1. Frequency: Number of times behavior occurs 2. Duration: Length of time behavior occurs 3. Topography: Time, place and setting 4. Intensity: Degree of severity of the behavior


ED Behavioral Expressions :ED Behavioral Expressions Hyperactivity (Short attention span, (impulsiveness) Aggression/self-injurious behavior (acting out, fighting) Withdrawal (failure to initiate interaction with others Immaturity (inappropriate crying, temper tantrums, poor coping skills Learning Difficulties (academically performing below grade level) 6. May have distorted thinking, excessive anxiety, bizarre motor acts and abnormal mood swings


ED Exception :ED Exception As per IDEA: 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.(c)(4)(ii)


ED Possible Causes :ED Possible Causes Biological Factors: Heredity, substance abuse, diet Psychological Factors: Post Traumatic Stress disorder, stress Environmental Factors: Family Violence, Abuse, Neglect Research has not shown any of the above factors to be a direct cause of behavior or ED


ED Educational Implications :ED Educational Implications Team developing IEP need to consider the following: 1. Strategies to address behavior, including positive behavioral interventions and support, and locate AAT to match student needs 2. Related services such as counseling 3. Career education as a major part of student’s secondary educational transition plan


Strategies to Address Behavior:Behavioral Contracts, Positive Reinforcement, Token Response :Strategies to Address Behavior:Behavioral Contracts, Positive Reinforcement, Token Response


Top 10 Characteristic of Effective Teachers & Staff :Top 10 Characteristic of Effective Teachers & Staff 1. Know your subject 2. Engage in professional development opportunities 3. Support students’ social/emotional needs 4. Create an active learning environment 5. Enjoy interacting with students


Top 10 Characteristics of Effective Teachers :Top 10 Characteristics of Effective Teachers 6.Build trusting relationship with student 7. Maintain consistent comprehensive behavior management system 8. Deal directly and fearlessly with student’s emotions 9. Be flexible and open to new ways to meet student’s needs (Research AAT) 10. Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of individual students


Activity: :Activity: What are the 3 criteria that define a child with an emotional disability according to IDEA? What are the 5 Characteristics of ED? Name the 4 dimensions of disordered behavior. What are some possible causes of ED? List 10 traits of effective teachers & staff. List 5 strategies to address behavior.


REFERENCES: :REFERENCES: Edyburn, L.L. (2006 Assistive Technology P.18-28 http://aimstar.knowbility.org/ http://seriweb.com/behavior.htm