The aim of this study is to determine the discriminating special needs characteristics of children with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) that predict restrictiveness of placement in special education. The focus is on dynamic factors instead of static factors. To this end, 235 children with EBD in special schools and 111 children with EBD in regular education were compared in terms of behavioral, emotional, academic, and environmental variables. Measurements used were the Child Behavior Checklist and Teacher’s Report Form, information in the children’s assessment reports, and the Dutch Family Home Environment Scale. In a logistic regression analysis, eight variables were found to be relevant predictors for placement in special schools instead of regular education. Relational problems between child and caregiver, academic performance, and the age at which the child received youth care for the first time were identified as the three predictors that could most affect the inclusion of children with EBD in regular education. Implications of these findings for future research and practice are discussed.

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This study examined the relation between family functioning and classroom problem behavior of children with emotional and behavioral disorders receiving special educational support. To this end, the Teachers’ Report Form and the Family Questionnaire were completed for 84 children ( M age of 9.8 years) 2 times with a time lag of 11 months. Cross-lagged path analyses showed that internalizing and externalizing problem behavior in the classroom were stable over time, just as poor family functioning. Continuity of (a) poor communication, (b) discordant partner relationship, and (c) lack of social support were strongly associated with future total problem behavior in the classroom. Furthermore, parental responsiveness to a child’s needs was associated with lower future total problem behavior. A direct association was also found between externalizing behavior in the classroom and future poor family functioning. Implications of these findings for future research and practice are discussed.

Children displaying substantive ADHD behaviors in both groups develop equally well in the areas of behavioral and academic functioning where significant progress was found.

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