An educational classification, not a medical diagnosis. A medical or clinical diagnosis does not automatically qualify a child for an IEP, and a child can qualify under IDEA without one. Eligibility is an educational team decision based on evaluation data. These are educational classifications, not medical diagnoses.
What it means
Emotional disturbance means a condition showing one or more specific characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child educational performance. These can include an inability to learn that is not explained by other factors, difficulty building or keeping relationships, inappropriate behaviors or feelings under normal circumstances, a general mood of unhappiness or depression, or a tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears tied to school or personal problems. It includes schizophrenia.
What it can include
- Inability to learn not explained by other factors
- Trouble building or keeping relationships
- Inappropriate behavior or feelings in normal situations
- Pervasive unhappiness or depression
- Physical symptoms or fears linked to school or personal problems
How it affects school
Supports often include behavior intervention plans, counseling as a related service, social-emotional instruction, and a structured, supportive environment.
How IEP eligibility works
To qualify for an IEP under this category, an evaluation team generally must find three things to be true:
- A qualifying disability. The child is evaluated and found to have one or more of the 13 disability categories defined under IDEA.
- An adverse effect on learning. The disability must adversely affect the child educational performance. A label by itself is not enough.
- A need for specially designed instruction. Because of the disability, the child needs special education and related services to access their education.
Common questions
Is a child who is socially maladjusted covered?
A child who is socially maladjusted is not covered under this category unless the team also determines the child has an emotional disturbance as defined by IDEA.
Can counseling be part of the IEP?
Yes. Counseling and other mental-health supports can be written into the IEP as related services when the team determines the child needs them to benefit from education.
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