Defining Criteria of an Emotional Disability

To determine eligibility under the IDEA, the PPT must:

1. Assess whether a student exhibits an emotional condition reflected by one or more of the five characteristics outlined in the definition of emotional disability, specifically:

   • A learning inability that cannot be attributed to intellectual, sensory, or health-related factors

   • Difficulty in forming or maintaining satisfactory relationships with peers and teachers

   • Inappropriate behavior or emotional responses under typical circumstances

   • A pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression

   • A tendency to experience physical symptoms or fears linked to personal or school issues

2. Confirm that these characteristics fulfill the qualifying conditions or limiting criteria, which include:

   • Adversely affecting educational performance

   • Persisting over a prolonged period

   • Manifesting to a significant degree

Maya Murphy P.C. has proudly been included in the 2024 Edition of Best Law Firms®, ranked among the top firms in the nation. In addition, Managing Partner Joseph C. Maya has been selected to The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 for his work in Employment Law and Education Law in Connecticut. Recognition in Best Lawyers® is awarded to firms and attorneys who demonstrate excellence in the industry and is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor.

Our firm in Westport, Connecticut serves clients with legal assistance all over the state, including the towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Bethel, Branford, Bridgeport, Brookfield, Cheshire, Danbury, Darien, Derby, East Haven, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Meriden, Middlebury, Milford, Monroe, Naugatuck, New Canaan, New Fairfield, New Haven, Newton, North Branford, North Haven, Norwalk, Orange, Oxford, Prospect, Redding, Ridgefield, Seymour, Shelton, Sherman, Southbury, Stamford, Stratford, Trumbull, Wallingford, Waterbury, West Haven, Weston, Westport, Wilton, and Woodbridge. In addition to assisting clients in Connecticut, our firm handles education law matters in New York as well.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to an attorney about a legal matter, please contact Joseph C. Maya and the other experienced attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. at (203) 221-3100 or JMaya@Mayalaw.com to schedule a free initial consultation today.