Characteristics and behaviours associated with emotional disturbance and/or behavioural problems may include: aggressive or anti-social behaviour; inattentiveness; distractibility and impulsiveness; impaired social interactions; a general inability to cope with the routine of daily tasks; obsessive and repetitive behaviours; attention-seeking behaviours such as negative interactions or a poor attitude towards work, peers or teachers; and depressed behaviours such as withdrawal, anxiety and mood swings. Some students with emotional disturbance and/or behavioural problems have negative self concepts and low self-esteem. In the classroom, students may be frequently off-task and may adversely affect the learning of some others. Students may have problems working in groups and in forming relationships. Students may show aggression towards others or refuse to co-operate.
