By Lateefah S. Williams, Esq.
We’ve all seen children who throw massive tantrums, can’t seem to sit down, or make loud outbursts. Even though it’s not as uncommon as some may think, many parents are shamed for having a so-called “unruly child.” There are people who see a child with the aforementioned attributes and assume the child is “acting out” due to “bad or lenient parenting,” when, in actuality, it could be a sign of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD). For students struggling with one of these conditions, school can be very taxing.
What Exactly Is EBD?
While all kids misbehave at times, it is exponentially worse for kids with EBD. Their behavior or emotions are more extreme than what can be expected from others in their age group. Some may act angry and hostile, while others may get so frustrated that they give up on school altogether. What people don’t realize is that they’re not intentionally trying to cause trouble. They usually have something else going on.
These children can:
* Have a history of mood swings
* Refuse to follow class rules
* Push others away or isolate themselves
* Act out in ways that disrupt learning
And let’s be real—this doesn’t just make their day harder. It can make school hard for everyone in the classroom.
How Does It Affect Students?
Imagine trying to focus on math when you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Or working on a group project when you’re unsure how to talk to your classmates without starting a confrontation. For kids with EBD, every day can feel like an uphill battle.
Students might:
* Miss assignments
* Battle with teachers or peers
* Get removed from class—or worse, suspended or expelled
* Fall behind in their studies
It’s not a question of lacking academic ability. Many of these kids are incredibly bright. However, without the right assistance, it’s easy for them to fall through the cracks, which can lead to more dire consequences when they become adults.
What Can Schools Do?
Lucky for us, schools can step in—and a lot of them do! Often, students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders get an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which contains goals and strategies to help them regulate their emotions and succeed in school.
Some of the strategies that schools might employ include:
* Behavior charts or incentive systems
* Regular visits to a guidance counselor
* Small group work or extra support
* Lessons on feelings management
And what about teachers? They really have a huge role to play. Patience and understanding go a long way in building trust and making students feel safe—something all children need.
It Takes a Team
In reality, no one can do this alone. When teachers, parents, school staff, and even classmates come together, good things can happen. Students with EBD can learn to self-regulate their behavior and emotions, meet academic expectations, and even learn to be a leader.
All kids should be able to learn and grow—no matter what challenges they face. Emotional and Behavioral Disorders can get in the way, but with the right help and a lot of compassion, students can truly thrive.
If your child has Emotional and Behavioral Disorders and their school is not meeting their needs, you can contact Shefter Law, P.A. at (301) 605-7303 or at ShefterLaw.com for a free consultation.
