What Are Behavioral and Emotional Disabilities?
The term Severely Emotionally Disturbed (or SED) is used to identify a child whose mental health condition causes him or her to have extreme difficulties at home, at school and with peer relations. Children with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders or who are oppositional defiant may be served under the special education program as a child with an emotional disturbance. These children are often very intelligent and have the cognitive skills to complete school work, therefore SED is often called "The Invisible Handicap." Their behavioral concerns are frustrating and confusing to their family members, peers and others in the community. Characteristics of children with SED include:
-impulsivity, hyperactivity, or "out of control" behavior
-episodes of extreme irritability, anger and outbursts
-moods that change quickly and seemingly without reason
-poor grades at school due to lack of work completion and behavioral problems
-sadness, withdrawal, decreased energy level
-inflexibility and low tolerance for frustration
An accurate medical diagnosis is essential. Clinicians will seek out patterns to the behavior, including the time of day, other individuals involved, the child's ability to change his behavior if working towards a reward. A family history will be taken, as many mental health conditions are hereditary. The diagnosis will determine the types of treatment and possible medication.
How can you help your child? Keep a log of behaviors so you can provide his or her physician with accurate information. Participate in the medical and the school intervention plan - consistency is of utmost importance. Hold your child accountable for his choices. Help your child find an outlet or activity that will provide some enjoyment and success. Find support from parent groups and community services. Possible resources:
Beech Acres ParentSource Information Line: 751-0400
Hamilton County Information Line to locate services: 946-LINK
North Carolina's TEACCH - information center for students with behavioral challenges
Behavior Advisor - suggestions and a bulletin board
LD Online - information from experts and a parent bulletin board
The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene
Asperger's Syndrome - A Guide for Parents and Professionals by Tony Attwood
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