Introduction to Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Focusing on today's realities in the schools and in society, this practical book will assist general and special education teachers of preschool through Grade 12 to recognize conduct that may lead to academic underachievement and emotional/ behavioral problems. A knowledge of the symptoms of such disorders can lead to appropriate interventions that reduce problem behavior, increase socially acceptable behavior, and improve academic performance—without recourse to ineffective punishment. Coverage examines common disorders such as autism and ADD/ADHD, along with such conditions as Tourette syndrome, gangs, eating disorders, depression, and others that may lead to learning and behavioral problems. The author presents the characteristics of each disorder, offers observable behaviors and assessment methods, and suggests positive, proactive classroom management strategies designed to teach appropriate replacement skills for undesirable behaviors. For general and special education teachers in the pre-and elementary school levels.

Focusing on today's realities in the schools and in society, this practical book will assist general and special education teachers of preschool through Grade 12 to recognize conduct that may lead to academic underachievement and emotional/ behavioral problems. A knowledge of the symptoms of such disorders can lead to appropriate interventions that reduce problem behavior, increase socially acceptable behavior, and improve academic performance—without recourse to ineffective punishment.

Coverage examines common disorders such as autism and ADD/ADHD, along with such conditions as Tourette syndrome, gangs, eating disorders, depression, and others that may lead to learning and behavioral problems. The author presents the characteristics of each disorder, offers observable behaviors and assessment methods, and suggests positive, proactive classroom management strategies designed to teach appropriate replacement skills for undesirable behaviors.

For general and special education teachers in the pre-and elementary school levels.

Mary Jensen is a professor in the Department of Special Education at Western Illinois University (WIU). She teaches classes in the area of behavioral disorders and behavior management for undergraduate and graduate education majors and others who plan to work with youth and adolescents in a professional capacity. Dr. Jensen was the 1994 recipient of the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award for the College of Education at WIU as well as 1995 and 1996 Faculty Excellence Awards. Her main areas of research interest and expertise are proactive and positive management strategies for students who are aggressive and noncompliant and youth gangs.

Before teaching at the university level, Dr. Jensen taught students with learning and behavioral disorders for 10 years in the public schools and in residential treatment. Today, she actively collaborates on practical research projects with classroom teachers and all of their students. Her interest in youth gangs and management strategies developed as educators and parents voiced a need for practical management strategies to apply at school, in the community, and at home. Dr. Jensen makes a variety of presentations at conferences, school in-services, and workshops on proactive behavior management strategies, management of aggressive and/or hostile behaviors, crisis intervention, and many types of behavioral disorders, including youth gangs.

Dr. Jensen also coauthored Gangs: Straight Tally Straight Up, published by Sopris West. This book provides practical information to educators, parents, and other professionals who work with youth and adolescents about youth gang characteristics, proactive management strategies, and crisis intervention planning.