To determine how emotionally disturbed children should be handled, you must look at what the true characteristics of having this condition is.
1) An inability to learn but cannot be explained through the intellectual or health factors of the child.
2) An inability to produce and maintain satisfactory relationships with peers.
3) Even in normal circumstances there will be inappropriate types of behavior.
4) A very pervasive mood as seen through depression or unhappiness.
The unfortunate part is that there can be many causes, or sometimes none at all, for a child being emotionally disturbed. In fact, you may be surprised to know that roughly 3% or maybe slightly more could theoretically be emotionally disturbed. The problem is that only 1% of all children are actually diagnosed with having the condition.
Emotionally disturbed children do not have the ability to learn at the same rate as someone who is not emotionally disturbed in the same type of setting. Generally, in normal conditions, as mentioned above in the characteristics, they still have problems. Therefore, they do require some form of special education.
While there are so many kids with the problem, many of which could be diagnosed even without a professional, very few get the treatment they need to receive a good education. It is not that they do not have the ability to learn, but their social problems will hold them back. Schools generally do not have the personal or finances to handle all of the problems. Statistics show that only 1 in 5 of emotionally disturbed children will receive the type of education that they need. Most will never be diagnosed with a problem.
Another statistic shows that those who are not treated by the time they reach eight years old may never have typical lives like those who are not emotionally disturbed. Prior to this point, proper treatment may be able to bring them up to speed and overcome the problem. Those that get lost in the system should have a condition which should be viewed as a chronic illness. They rarely get over their problems after this point and much of the time will have difficulty holding a job or continuing an education passed high school.
We must really evaluate our children subjectively to recognize if they do have this problem. While teachers must filter through and determine which kids have problems, rightfully, it should be the parents, whom spend the most time with the children that should recognize when they have emotionally disturbed children. If you have a child who has already been diagnosed, it is highly recommended that you contact your school to see what type of special arrangements can be made for him to receive an education.
