Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What is a simplified definition of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders?
An Emotional or Behavioral Disorder is "a disability characterized by behavioral or emotional responses very different from all norms and referent groups with adverse effects on educational performance” (Smith, D.D., Tyler, N.C., 2010, p.229). This definition tells us that people who have EBD display behaviors or emotions that are inappropriate and atypical, such as aggression. For more information see either the "What are Emotional Behavioral Disorders?" or "For Parents" webpages, which provide a more in-depth description of EBD as well as typical warning signs.
2) Could my child have other disorders or disabilities in addition to EBD?
EBD is a classification that encompasses many disorders; therefore, a child might have one or more emotional or behavioral disorders or other disorders in addition to but not characterized as EBD. Having multiple disorders is called comorbidity. While it is possible that you or your child may have another disability or disorder, a diagnosis of EBD does not mandate comorbidity. See the the webpage, "What are Emotional and Behavioral Disorders" for more details.
3) Can girls have externalizing behaviors and boys have internalizing behaviors?
Yes, while it is more common for boys to exhibit externalizing behaviors and girls to exhibit internalizing behaviors, this is not always the case, as each individual with EBD is different. See the webpage, "What are Emotional and Behavioral Disorders" for more details.
4) Does my child with EBD have to go to a private school?
No, a child with EBD does not have to go to a private school. Federal legislation, like IDEA '04, mandates that all public schools are equipped to support students with EBD. However, it is important to feel safe and supported in an academic environment, so private or charter schools are always an option to consider if you feel that a current school setting is not a good fit for you or your child. To read more information about the Child and Parents rights, click on the following PDF: http://ec.ncpublicschools.gov/parent-resources/ecparenthandbook.pdf
5) Who has access to an individual's EBD records?
Information regarding an individual with EBD is kept confidential unless being reviewed by an authorized individual, such as a student's special education case manager or teacher. Even when authorized to read the information, whoever reviews the information must sign and date the content for security purposes. For more information about the Child and Parents Rights you can go to the following PDF:
http://ec.ncpublicschools.gov/parent-resources/ecparenthandbook.pdf
6) Can my child grow out of EBD?
A child's progress in coping with EBD depends largely on the specific disorder. Some disorders, such as Schizophrenia, are more challenging to cope with and overcome than others. However, data-based practices and strategies have displayed positive results for coping with EBD. For more information about these strategies and positive stories, check out the "For Students" webpage.
7) Can someone with EBD change their own behavior?
Yes, self-management is a process often used by people with EBD in order to change their own undesired behaviors themselves. Through the use of monitoring and positive reinforcement, one can help himself/herself to develop positive behaviors and interactions. Consult the webpage "For Students" for more details.
8) How can parent(s) and/or teacher(s) help support a child with EBD?
For a child's optimal improvement, it is important for teachers and/or parents to provide support and guidance. This means making sure the child understands what are appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. Set clear expectations and consequences for behavior, and help the child to develop self-regulating strategies to help him/her manage his/her own behavior. For more tips and strategies, see the "For Parents" and "For Teachers" webpages.
9) Should parents of children with EBD join a support group?
Support groups can be very beneficial for parents of a child with EBD, allowing them to talk with other parents who also have children with EBD and create a network of supports. Forming these relationships can be beneficial for parents and can provide helpful advice and shared experiences. For more information visit the following link:
http://www.pathwaysrtc.pdx.edu/pdf/pbSupportGroupsForParentsOfChildren.pdf.
10) Is there a medicine that treats EBD?
Because EBD is a classification that can encompass many different disorders (from conduct disorders to schizophrenia), there is no set medicine for EBD. However, many EBD-classified disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder, or comorbid disorders, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, can be treated with medication. For more information about medication options, please consult you medical doctor.
An Emotional or Behavioral Disorder is "a disability characterized by behavioral or emotional responses very different from all norms and referent groups with adverse effects on educational performance” (Smith, D.D., Tyler, N.C., 2010, p.229). This definition tells us that people who have EBD display behaviors or emotions that are inappropriate and atypical, such as aggression. For more information see either the "What are Emotional Behavioral Disorders?" or "For Parents" webpages, which provide a more in-depth description of EBD as well as typical warning signs.
2) Could my child have other disorders or disabilities in addition to EBD?
EBD is a classification that encompasses many disorders; therefore, a child might have one or more emotional or behavioral disorders or other disorders in addition to but not characterized as EBD. Having multiple disorders is called comorbidity. While it is possible that you or your child may have another disability or disorder, a diagnosis of EBD does not mandate comorbidity. See the the webpage, "What are Emotional and Behavioral Disorders" for more details.
3) Can girls have externalizing behaviors and boys have internalizing behaviors?
Yes, while it is more common for boys to exhibit externalizing behaviors and girls to exhibit internalizing behaviors, this is not always the case, as each individual with EBD is different. See the webpage, "What are Emotional and Behavioral Disorders" for more details.
4) Does my child with EBD have to go to a private school?
No, a child with EBD does not have to go to a private school. Federal legislation, like IDEA '04, mandates that all public schools are equipped to support students with EBD. However, it is important to feel safe and supported in an academic environment, so private or charter schools are always an option to consider if you feel that a current school setting is not a good fit for you or your child. To read more information about the Child and Parents rights, click on the following PDF: http://ec.ncpublicschools.gov/parent-resources/ecparenthandbook.pdf
5) Who has access to an individual's EBD records?
Information regarding an individual with EBD is kept confidential unless being reviewed by an authorized individual, such as a student's special education case manager or teacher. Even when authorized to read the information, whoever reviews the information must sign and date the content for security purposes. For more information about the Child and Parents Rights you can go to the following PDF:
http://ec.ncpublicschools.gov/parent-resources/ecparenthandbook.pdf
6) Can my child grow out of EBD?
A child's progress in coping with EBD depends largely on the specific disorder. Some disorders, such as Schizophrenia, are more challenging to cope with and overcome than others. However, data-based practices and strategies have displayed positive results for coping with EBD. For more information about these strategies and positive stories, check out the "For Students" webpage.
7) Can someone with EBD change their own behavior?
Yes, self-management is a process often used by people with EBD in order to change their own undesired behaviors themselves. Through the use of monitoring and positive reinforcement, one can help himself/herself to develop positive behaviors and interactions. Consult the webpage "For Students" for more details.
8) How can parent(s) and/or teacher(s) help support a child with EBD?
For a child's optimal improvement, it is important for teachers and/or parents to provide support and guidance. This means making sure the child understands what are appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. Set clear expectations and consequences for behavior, and help the child to develop self-regulating strategies to help him/her manage his/her own behavior. For more tips and strategies, see the "For Parents" and "For Teachers" webpages.
9) Should parents of children with EBD join a support group?
Support groups can be very beneficial for parents of a child with EBD, allowing them to talk with other parents who also have children with EBD and create a network of supports. Forming these relationships can be beneficial for parents and can provide helpful advice and shared experiences. For more information visit the following link:
http://www.pathwaysrtc.pdx.edu/pdf/pbSupportGroupsForParentsOfChildren.pdf.
10) Is there a medicine that treats EBD?
Because EBD is a classification that can encompass many different disorders (from conduct disorders to schizophrenia), there is no set medicine for EBD. However, many EBD-classified disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder, or comorbid disorders, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, can be treated with medication. For more information about medication options, please consult you medical doctor.