Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) refer to a disability classification used in educational settings that allows educational institutions to provide special education and related services to students who have displayed poor social and/or academic functioning. According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, an EBD classification is required if one or more of the following characteristics is excessively observed in a student over a significant amount of time:
- Learning challenges that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors.
- Trouble keeping up or building satisfactory relationships with peers and teachers.
- Classroom behavior problems and social problems, e.g., delinquency and drug abuse, or a diagnosis of conduct disorder, do not automatically fulfill the requirements for eligibility for placement.
Students with EBD are often categorized as "internalizers" (e.g., have poor self-esteem, or are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or mood disorder) or "externalizers" (e.g., disrupt classroom instruction, or are diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorders such as oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder) .
Children with an EBD diagnosis can exhibit behaviors such as chronic classroom disruption, aggression, and general maladaptive behavior toward peers and adults.
In summary, EBD encompasses a range of mental health diagnoses and is characterized by difficulties in dealing with both emotion and behavior, which can significantly impact a students academic and social functioning. It is important to provide individualized education programs and effective strategies to support students with EBD in achieving success in school and beyond.
