Emotional Disturbance (ED)

What's Required

(c)  Eligibility definitions.

(4)  Emotional disturbance. A student with an emotional disturbance is one who has been determined to meet the criteria for emotional disturbance as stated in 34 CFR, §300.8(c)(4). The written report of evaluation must include specific recommendations for behavioral supports and interventions.

What We Do

A student with an emotional disturbance is one who exhibits one or more of the following characteristic over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child’s educational performance
  • An inability to learn that 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 behaviors and 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. 
The term includes schizophrenia.  The term does not apply to children who are socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that they also have an emotional disturbance.

Evaluation Procedures
A Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) is required for an assessment for emotional disturbance.  

Required Eligibility Documents
    • Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE) that includes a psychological evaluation conducted by an LSSP
    • Emotional Disturbance (ED) Eligibility Form signed by an LSSP
ARD/IEP Requirements
The ARD/IEP Team must make specific recommendations for behavioral supports and interventions.  This includes a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

Forms
  • Emotional Disturbance (ED) Eligibility Form signed by an LSSP