NBPTS Exceptional Needs Specialist Practice Exam

What characteristics define Emotional Disturbance (ED)?

1. Limited communication abilities

2. Exhibiting inconsequential mood swings

3. Inability to learn, impacts on relationships, inappropriate behavior, and pervasive mood disorders

4. Difficulty with physical activities and sports

The correct answer is: Inability to learn, impacts on relationships, inappropriate behavior, and pervasive mood disorders

The choice that defines Emotional Disturbance (ED) is characterized by an array of significant issues affecting a student's emotional and psychological stability. When discussing ED, the focus is on how emotional or behavioral challenges hinder a student’s learning capacity, disrupt relationships with peers and adults, and manifest in a range of emotional responses. Pervasive mood disorders refer to a long-term pattern of emotional disturbance, which may include chronic sadness, anxiety, or anger. Inappropriate behaviors can manifest as outbursts, withdrawal, or challenges in adhering to social norms and expectations, thereby affecting interpersonal relationships. Additionally, learning struggles often accompany these emotional disturbances, creating a cycle that complicates educational achievement and personal development. The other options, while they may pertain to difficulties some students face, do not encompass the comprehensive nature of Emotional Disturbance. Limited communication abilities may relate to specific speech or language disorders rather than emotional disturbance itself. Mood swings that are inconsequential do not indicate a consistent emotional disturbance that profoundly impacts learning or behavior. Lastly, difficulty with physical activities is more aligned with physical disabilities rather than emotional disturbance criteria. Thus, the definition of ED is best captured by the characteristics outlined in the chosen response.