Child Development Associate (CDA) Practice

Making large efforts to make friends is not a characteristic typically associated with emotional disturbances in children. Children who experience emotional disturbances often struggle with social interactions and may find it challenging to form and maintain friendships. Consequently, they may exhibit withdrawal or a lack of interest in socializing rather than a proactive approach to making friends. In contrast, the other characteristics listed, such as difficulty in maintaining relationships, inability to learn in a regular educational setting, and excessive fears or anxieties, are indeed associated with emotional disturbances. Children facing these challenges may have trouble with peer relationships and often exhibit patterns of behavior that hinder their educational progress due to emotional stressors. Thus, the effort to make friends is distinct from the emotional disturbances that can complicate a child's social interactions and overall development.