Definition of Emotionally Handicapped

An emotional handicap can take many different forms, depending on what's causing it. Some people are emotionally deadened, while others may be overly aggressive. Though the condition is mental, it may also have physical symptoms, such as headaches or panic attacks. Whatever the symptoms are, it's important that those who are emotionally handicapped get the proper attention and help that they need.

Definition

• An emotional handicap is defined by the Broward Schools website, taken from the Florida Department of Education Special Programs and Procedures for Exceptional Students, as a condition resulting in persistent and consistent maladaptive behavior that exists to a marked degree, interferes with the student's learning process, and includes a number of maladaptive characteristics-- this definition applies both to young people and to older ones, even though the word "student" is used in the definition because the stating agency is a school.

Characteristics

• There are five separate characteristics that can fit into a definition of emotionally handicapped. The first is an inability to achieve adequate academic progress that can't be explained through any other means (though this could also be used to gauge general life skills not being learned by older people who are emotionally handicapped). The second characteristic is an inability to maintain any sort of satisfactory relationship with parents or teachers (or with managers or coworkers). The third characteristic is displaying inappropriate emotional reactions to situations. The fourth characteristics is a generally depressed mood or regular unhappiness. The last characteristic is the tendency to develop physical symptoms of fear associated with personal, school or work problems.

Evaluation

• In order to be classified as emotionally handicapped, a person must undergo psychological evaluation. This is especially important for younger children, whose emotions are evolving and changing. Teachers should be familiar with the basic criteria so that they can tell the difference between normal behavior and what may constitute an emotional handicap. Additionally, managers and other supervisory persons should be told what signs to look for in case an employee appears to be emotionally handicapped.

Treatment

• People who are emotionally handicapped suffer from a real and genuine condition. Those who suffer from an emotional handicap can't just "snap out of it" and suddenly act differently. These handicaps, though they may be emotional and invisible to some, may as well be physical maladies for those who suffer from them. Admitting that, and working with that fact, is an essential part of overcoming an emotional handicap.

Therapy

• In order to help those who are emotionally handicapped overcome their problems, it's important that they undergo proper therapy; drug therapy isn't as common as behavioral therapy. It's important that people who are emotionally handicapped learn how to communicate their feelings and to verbalize their thoughts.