Definition

From the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 34, Section 300.7(b)(9):
A condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects educational performance:

1. An inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors;
2. An inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers;
3. Inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances;
4. A general pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression; or
5. A tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears associated with personal or school problems.

Also see CCBD's position paper promoting a more sensible definition.

The Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders, a division of Council for Exceptional Children; CCBD is a not-for-profit organization composed mostly of teachers, academics, and school administrators who are concerned about ensuring good educational and related services for students with EBD.

Resources about emotional or behavioral disorders

The EBDBlog, a running commentary on matters related to emotional and behavioral disorders.

University of Missouri-Columbia Virtual Resource Center in Behavioral Disorders offers multi-media modules for learning how to work with students who have EBD.

U.Va. Virginia Behavior Disorders Project, a shell for a series of studies directed by Jim Kauffman and John Lloyd (site now inactive--25 Jan 2005).

WNCMentalHope, Providing hope and help to family and loved ones of those with a mental illness, especially with a focus on the western region of North Carolina.