My son just had his Triennial Review( IEP Report)?

Question

He was labled learnning disabled now they have him labled emotionally disabled What is the difference?

Answer 1

Here is the definition and charcteristics for ED. This does not necessarily mean your child is mentally ill ( as that is a medical diagnosis that cannot be made legally by a school), but he may exhibit some of the criteria for an ED categorization. I am assuming this was a MET decision. Was there a psychological evaluation? Were the results explained to you and were you given a copy? As a parent, if you disagree with the results of a test given by the school you have the right to request an independant test given to your child at the school's expense. Look at your procedural safeguards and it will be in there.

Definition
Many terms are used to describe emotional, behavioral or mental disorders. Currently, students with such disorders are categorized as having an emotional disturbance, which is defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as follows:

"...a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child's educational performance--

(A) An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors.

(B) An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers.

(C) Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances.

(D) A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression.

(E) A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems." [Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34, Section 300.7(c)(4)(i)]

Some of the characteristics and behaviors seen in children who have emotional disturbances include:

Hyperactivity (short attention span, impulsiveness);

Aggression/self-injurious behavior (acting out, fighting);

Withdrawal (failure to initiate interaction with others; retreat from exchanges of social interaction, excessive fear or anxiety);

Immaturity (inappropriate crying, temper tantrums, poor coping skills); and

Learning difficulties (academically performing below grade level).
Children with the most serious emotional disturbances may exhibit distorted thinking, excessive anxiety, bizarre motor acts, and abnormal mood swings.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

I would suggest that you have your son evaluated by an independant qualified professional. This may be "on the level"--sometimes a review brings out information that changes the diagnosis.

A learning disability is usually something specific--dyslexia or ADD/ADHD--and there are specific procedures for intervention, training, and accomodation. An "emotional disability" essentially means that your son has been labeled mentally ill.

When this happens, caution is warrented--as I said, it may be legitimate. Its far more likely that your son has not received the kind of accomodations or support he needs--and someone is covering it up. If your son did not receive a full re-evaluation by qualified professional(s) as to his learning disability AND his mental health (and that kan't be done in a short interview, or by teachers/counsellors) the change in diagnosis is almost certainly invalid.

In any case--get a second opinion. Based on my experience, this sounds fishy as h***. But don't just assume that's the case-find out.

Answer 3

Viewaskew's answer was right on. Keep in mind that your son still has learning disabilities that need to be served. If they changed his lable, his emotional disabilities are more pervasive than his learning disabilities, but both need to be addressed.

You need to do your part as a parent, use the evaluations done by the school to plot your next move for your child. Does he need therapy? Was medication recommended? My advice is to find a good child psychologist.

Answer 4

Most times when schools do this, it means they don't want to help the child. They are focusing on the 'behaviors' instead of the learning problems, because they dont' want to help with the learning problems. If a child is labeled emotional disabled, they just throw the kid in a room with kids who are very bad behavior and it makes the kid worse.
Please go to www.schwablearning.org and sign up for free on their parent to parent message board. They can help you.
Schools are suppose to help with ALL the childs problems no matter which 'label' he has. But, they don't .
You really have to fight to get the help the child needs.