The disorder of emotional behavior or emotional disorders is one of the fourteen categories provided for by the law on the education of individuals with disabilities. This means that if a child has this disability, they will be entitled to services and assistance at school and in school. home for the family. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 8.3 million children ages four to seventeen are believed to suffer from emotional disorders, and 2.9 children take medications for emotional disorders. This is a mental health disorder that may go undiagnosed and untreated for years. Having an emotional disorder can affect many areas beyond the emotional, including physical, social, or cognitive abilities. Unfortunately, there is no known cause of emotional disorders, although heredity, brain disorders, diet, and stress are thought to play a role in the cause. (from the Nichcy and ECE textbook) Having an emotional disorder means having one or more of the five characteristics over a long period of time and having a negative effect on a child's academic performance. One of the characteristics that may be present is an inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors. Another characteristic is the inability to build or maintain satisfying interpersonal relationships with others. The third characteristic that may be present is behaviors or feelings that are inappropriate under normal circumstances. The fourth characteristic is a general and pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression. The last characteristic is the tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears related to personal or school problems. (as defined by IDEA) Having an emotional disturbance includes anxiety about...... middle of paper ...... Disability does not and should never define who I am. A teacher can also set clear behavioral rules and expectations for the entire class. A teacher should provide them with accommodations, which should be in their IEP, be part of their IEP team to help shape their special education program, and have strong communication with the student's parents. Emotional disorders are one of fourteen different disabilities under the IDEA. It is also divided into many categories; anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, conduct disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and psychotic disorders. Having an emotional disorder does not necessarily have a negative impact on one's education. There are many things a teacher can do to support students with emotional disorders and make school life much more accommodating for them. Works Cited NICHY, ECE textbook