January 2024

Children with emotional difficulties that impact their behavior at school sometimes receive a diagnosis of Emotionally and Behaviorally Disturbed. The U.S. Department of Education reported that in the 2018 to 2019 school year, 5.45% of disabled students had this type of problem. An EBD label can have lasting repercussions on a child’s future. Whether these effects are positive or negative depends upon many factors. Educational challenges and opportunities Children with an EBD label may encounter educational hurdles. Schools often implement special education programs to address their needs, but the stigma attached to the label may limit their opportunities for mainstream learning experiences. However, these specialized programs also offer tailored support and have the potential to unlock a child’s academic potential. Social implications Labeling children as EBD can influence their social dynamics. Peers may treat them differently, and forming connections might become more challenging. However, some schools have programs to promote inclusivity . These strategies encourage students to embrace differences and see beyond labels. Professional and career outlook As children transition into adulthood, the effects of labels may extend into their professional lives. Some employers may hesitate to hire individuals with a history of emotional and behavioral challenges. However, the resilience they develop through overcoming these challenges can be an asset. Some employers may appreciate the strength of character that EBD students develop. Hidden costs of remaining undiagnosed  While avoiding the EBD label might seem appealing, parents should consider the hidden costs of remaining undiagnosed. Without a proper diagnosis, children may not receive the necessary support and accommodations. This lack of intervention can hinder their personal and academic growth. It can also impact their future success. Parents must continuously advocate for their children. Acknowledging their struggles without allowing teachers to define them by a label allows for a more comprehensive approach to their development.

Special needs planning is essential for securing your loved one’s future, but it is never too early to start the process. It is often in your best interest to consider special needs planning as early as possible. The sooner you begin planning, the more options will be available to you. You have greater flexibility The sooner you start special needs planning, the more tools and strategies you can put in place. Beginning the financial and legal preparations while your child is young gives you more flexibility. For example, you may be able to fund a special needs trust or ABLE account that can grow over time. Starting early also allows you to research and understand the options completely. You can develop financial strategies Special needs financial planning tools, such as ABLE accounts and special needs trusts, have greater benefits when established early. ABLE accounts, for instance, allow individuals to save up to $100,000 without impacting needs-based government benefits. You can plan for future changes The earlier you start saving, the more funds will be available for your child’s future. With a special needs trust, you can place more assets into the trust if you create it early in the individual’s life. Special needs planning is complex, but it can give you peace of mind for your loved ones. As of the third quarter of 2020 , there were approximately 75,000 ABLE account holders and each account held an average of $6,000 in savings. The sooner you start planning, the more you can save for future needs.