Emotionally Impaired (EI)

By: Heather Ronan and Caroline Slater

What is it?

• Emotionally disturbed is a diagnostic term that describes a population of children who have behavioral or emotional issues so different from the general population that these behaviors seriously impact their ability to perform academically and socially interact with others in an acceptable manner.

• http://www.emotionallydisturbed.net/

Characteristics• attention-getting behavior• disruptive to others• low self-esteem • hyperactive• limited problem solving skills • insecure• poor impulse control• easily confused• defiance of authority figures• problems working in groups• low attention span• poor communication skills• minimal social interaction skills• poor conflict resolution• personal struggle to control self• can be immature• covers up emotions• can be aggressive

To be considered and classified emotionally disturbed, specific criteria must be met based on federal

legislation which includes:

• (1)the child has difficulty learning which is not associated with a health factor, cognitive ability, or sensory issues 

• (2)the child has difficulty with his interpersonal relationships with classmates and adults

• (3)the child demonstrates unusual types of behavior in normal circumstances

• (4)the child appears  depressed or generally unhappy• (5) the child becomes physically ill or demonstrates fears

associated with school. The classification of emotionally disturbed can only be made by a certified psychologist based on data collected over a period of time.

• http://www.emotionallydisturbed.net/

Accommodations

• present materials at an independent level

• provide short & manageable tasks

• set short-term expectations

• repeat directions frequently

• model activities

• request student to demonstrate their understanding of the directions verbally

Accommodations cont’d…

• present materials for a variety of learning styles (audio, visual, etc.)

• provide mini-breaks between lessons

• allow for peer tutoring

• provide positive reinforcement

• individualize work assignments

• structure the classroom environment.

Helpful Hints

• Get to know your students

• Develop Classroom Rules

• Watch out for triggers

• Be Positive

• Lean on your team

Kids Who Are Different

Kids Who Are Different Here's to the kids who are different,The kids who don't always get A's,

The kids who have ears twice the size of their peers,And noses that go on for days...

Here's to the kids who are different,The kids they call crazy or dumb,

The kids who don't fit, with the guts and the grit,Who dance to a different drum...

Here's to the kids who are different,The kids with the mischievous streak,

For when they have grown, as history's shown,It's their difference that makes them unique!

Digby Wolfe