GROUP OF QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS

The assessment of emotional or behavioral disturbance, for educational purposes, using psychological techniques and procedures is considered the practice of psychology.

A person commits an offense if the person engages in the practice of psychology or represents that the person is a psychologist in violation of the Texas Occupations Code.

CRITERIA

Emotional disturbance includes schizophrenia.

Emotional disturbance does not include social maladjustment, unless the child also has an emotional disturbance under the other criteria listed below.

A child may be considered to be a child with an emotional disturbance if:

• The child exhibits one or more of the following characteristics:

• 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;

• The characteristic(s) is/are exhibited by the child:

• Over a long period of time; and

• To a marked degree;

• The emotional disturbance adversely affects the child's educational performance; and

• By reason of the emotional disturbance, the child needs special education and related services.

SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS

The group must make specific recommendations for behavioral supports and interventions. 

ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION