Serious Emotional Disturbance

Emotional Disturbance (ED)

During the beginning of the 1997-98 school year Special Education teachers met to discuss the characteristics of Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED). After this information was developed the revisions to IDEA change the title to Emotional Disturbance. In an effort to disseminate information about ED the following Web page was developed. Hopefully this information will help clarify ED in order that it be understood as one of the disabilities which fall under special education and related services. If you suspect that your child or any child between the ages of 2 and 21 may exhibit some of these characteristics, consider making a referral to your school's Principal. The Principal will review the referral and assist with the initial evaluation process.

What is an emotional disturbance?

According to the State Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia (January 2001) an emotional disturbance means as follows:
1. 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:

An inability to learn which cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors
An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers
Inappropriate types of behavior or 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

2. The term includes schizophrenia. The term does not apply to children who are socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that they have an emotional disturbance.

What are the indicators?

A. An inability to learn which cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors
The child is learning significantly below what is expected based on the information available. This is observed over a long period of time. The child is capable of learning based on intellectual/ability tests scores, and classroom performance. No evidence of visual or hearing problems exist. There is no explanation for learning problems.

B. An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers
The child has poor communication skills, interrupts class, difficulty taking turns, poor eye contact, cannot stay on topic, inappropriate conversation, and does not tell the truth. A child exhibits inappropriate touching, offensive behaviors (spitting, cussing, etc.), is not compliant, does not keep friends for long. These behaviors/manifestations interfere in working with others and affects own educational performance.

C. Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances
The child is not reacting with appropriate behaviors when compared with age peers in similar settings and circumstances.
Examples include: school phobia, behavioral or emotional reactions not expected in given situations.

D. A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression
Young children show their unhappiness by displaying aggressive or withdrawn behaviors. We cannot accept aggressive nor withdrawn behaviors at school because they effect performance. We care if your child is unhappy for long periods of time and in many situations. Sometimes children will cry often for no reason and appears to be depressed. These children need our services.

E. A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems
Fears may include those of separation from parents that is not age appropriate or continues over an extended period of time. Students may be afraid to join or participate in group situations. Physical symptoms include: ticks, self-abuse, chronic stomach complaints, excessive requests to visit the nurse, and persistent crying when no physical symptoms are evident.

If you have any questions about the referral process you can contact either the principal or counselor at the following schools:

McHarg Primary School Grades preschool to 3rd Mr. Larry Price, Principal Mrs. Ellen Denny, Counselor 731-3652	Belle Heth Elementary School Grades 4th to 6th Mr. Ken Alderman, Principal Angela Thompson, Counselor 731-3653
Dalton Intermediate School Grades 7th to 8th Mr. Jeff Smith, Principal Mrs. Terry Kimbleton, Counselor 731-3651	Radford High School Grades 9th to 12th Mr. Buddy Martin, Principal Mrs. Denise Goff, Counselor Mr. Rick Cormany, Counselor 731-3651

Radford City Schools Department of Special Education and Related Services
PO Box 3689
Radford, VA 24143
Phone: 540-731-3647
Fax: 540-731-4419

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