1. Tyler Smith

2.  Serious emotional disturbance is defined as follows: The term means a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time, which affects a child’s educational performance:  A. An inability to learn that can’t be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors  B. An inability to build relationships with peers or teachers  C. Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances  D. A general mood of unhappiness or depression  E. A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems.  This term also includes schizophrenia

3.  Causes have not been determined.  Many factors include heredity, brain disorder, diet, stress, and family functioning have all been considered probable causes  Although research has not shown any of these to be direct cause of behavior or emotional problems

4.  Hyperactivity (short attention span, impulsiveness)  Very aggressive (want to act and fight out their feelings)  Withdrawal ( no social interaction, excessive fear and anxiety)  Immaturity (snapping for no reason, crying, temper tantrums)  Learning Difficulties  ( academically performing below grade level) because their issues affect their school work

5.  Up to one in 10 people may suffer from a serious emotional disturbance  However up to 70% of children do not receive mental health services, because its so hard to determine symptoms  Many of these adolescents commit suicide because they have no help, which is the third leading cause of death for 15- 24 years and the sixth leading cause for 5-14 year olds

6.  Obsessive Compulsive  Psychosis  Schizophrenia  Mood disorders  Separation Anxiety disorders  Intermittent Explosive Disorder  There are many more as well

7.  Children with the most serious disturbances may exhibit  Excessive anxiety  Bizarre motor acts  Abnormal mood swings  Some are even identified as having severe forms of psychosis or schizophrenia

8.  Many children may not have a disturbance but many display these behaviors at various times during development  However, when children have an emotional disturbance, these behaviors continue over long periods of time.  As they get older, it only gets worse as well

9.  Educational programs for children with a disturbance needs to include attention to providing emotional and behavioral support as well as helping them to master academics, develop social skills, and increase self- awareness, self-control, and self-esteem.  Make sure IEP is appropriate, and they are allowed to include psychological or counseling services.

10.  Dunn, J. M. & Leitschuh, C. A. (2006). Special physical education (8 th ed.). Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt.  Grotevant, H. D., McRoy, R. G., & Zurcher Jr., L. A. (1988). Emotional disturbance in adopted adolescents: Origins and development. New York, NY:Praeger.