Emotional Disorders

Student Emotional Disorders

It is heartbreaking to witness a child suffering with the stress, anxiety and isolation that frequently accompany emotional disorders. These children often require specialized services and expert interventions to put them in a position where they can learn and enjoy social interactions with friends. If you need help getting services for a child with an emotional disorder, we can assist you.

As defined by federal law, an emotional disorder may be diagnosed when a child exhibits one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to such a marked degree that it adversely affects his or her educational performance:

• • an inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors; 
• • an inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers; 
• • inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances; 
• • a general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression; or 
• • a tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems. 

A finding that a child has an emotional disability will not be made just because the student's behavior violates the school's discipline code or because the student is socially maladjusted unless the Team determines that the student has a serious emotional disturbance.

Knowledgeable and experienced school lawyers

We have experience advocating for appropriate placements and services for children with Emotional Disorders.  If you need help advocating for your child, please contact us. We understand the steps that are necessary to get your child the free appropriate public education he or she is legally entitled to receive.