"Emotional disorders are much more harder to recognize, diagnose, and treat" (Burgess, 2012).
EBD or Socially Maladjusted?
When determining eligibility and looking at a student with challenging behaviors, it is essential to differentiate the two terms of ED and social maladjustment (SM). Students that are socially maladjusted do not fall under the category of ED, unless they are seriously emotionally disturbed (EHA Regulations, 1989). Social Maladjustment is not defined in the federal regulations. It is precisely referred to as “oppositional defiant or conduct disorder,” in which an individual shows a pattern of refusal to meet even minimum standard expectations (Montgomery, 1996). The behavior and values of a socially maladjusted individual are often in conflict with standard expectations of society. These individuals exhibit similar patterns of behavior to that of an individual with ED, such as situational anxiety, depression, or distress in response to events when facing consequences for their own actions. The one difference from ED is that they are not in “chronic distress”.
Viewing the psychological evaluation along with much discussion and collaboration from the team of individuals (parents, teachers, admin, ancillary staff) working with the student, will help determine whether or not special education services are warranted if the student qualifies as having an emotional disturbance (Montgomery, 1996).
Viewing the psychological evaluation along with much discussion and collaboration from the team of individuals (parents, teachers, admin, ancillary staff) working with the student, will help determine whether or not special education services are warranted if the student qualifies as having an emotional disturbance (Montgomery, 1996).
School Psychologist Files gives a very descriptive breakdown of the differentiation between these two terms. Please click on the School Psychologist Files logo to access more information!