What does it mean to have a Severe Emotional Disturbance?
For the purposes of obtaining school based services for a student who has severe emotional disturbance (SED) the student must meet the criteria and characteristics that are found in Section 6A-6.03016 of the Florida Administrative Code and The School Board of Broward Countys Special Programs and Procedures for Exceptional Students. Generally, a student must have a condition that results in persistent maladaptive behaviors that interfere educational achievement. Some examples of these handicapping characteristics are: an inability to progress academically; inability to have satisfactory interpersonal relationships; a pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression, and the need for the student to receive mental heath services in a five day a week program. (Please see the laws and regulations cited above for the specific criteria.) A broader general definition of serious emotional disturbance is contained in the Comprehensive Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services Act, F.S. 394.492(