What characteristic does NOT qualify a child for special education services under emotional disturbances?

The characteristic that does not qualify a child for special education services under emotional disturbances is social maladjustment. In the context of special education, emotional disturbances typically relate to conditions that significantly impact a child's ability to learn and function in a typical educational setting due to emotional or behavioral issues.

Social maladjustment, while it can affect a child's relationships and behavior, does not fall under the definition of emotional disturbance provided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Children who are socially maladjusted may exhibit behaviors that are disruptive or nonconforming, but these behaviors are not necessarily indicative of a recognized emotional disturbance. Instead, they can often be perceived as a result of personality traits or choices rather than an emotional disorder that severely impairs their educational performance.

On the other hand, inability to build or maintain relationships, inappropriate feelings or behavior, and difficulty with self-control are all characteristics that can be linked to emotional disturbances. These traits affect a child's capacity to engage socially and academically, and they are more closely aligned with the criteria set forth in special education law to establish eligibility for services aimed at supporting children facing emotional challenges in their learning environments.