Characteristics of Children with
Serious Emotional Disturbances
Frequently served in multiple systems
Variety of diagnoses but most common are ADHD,
Oppositional Disorder, and Conduct Disorder
High rate of co-occurring disorders
Deficits in intellectual and educational functioning
Deficits in social and adaptive behavior
Frequently from low income families
Have often been exposed to violence, and to losses
of major people in their life