Adjustment Disorders (AD) are emotional and behavioral reactions to
situations beyond the control of the child. These may include trauma due
to the loss of a loved one, illness in the household, birth of a sibling,
and separation or divorce of parents. AD may lead to anxiety, depression,
and anger, and can interfere with functioning at home and at school.
These reactions are temporary and related to specific situations or events.
The Harris School (THS) aids children with AD in a number of ways. The
classrooms are warm, incorporating rugs, soothing colors, natural light and
floor lamps providing a soothing home-like environment. The teachers are
trained to help label children’s feelings, allowing children with AD to
better understand their emotions and how their emotions affect their
behaviors. The low teacher/student ratio enables the teachers to be
attuned to the emotional needs of all of the students, and provide the
nurturing, supportive help these children need. Through positive,
non-punitive interactions with teachers, and in the weekly group therapy
for the older children, our students are helped to reflect on what has
hampered their efforts in previous schools, and are given the confidence
to overcome those issues and feelings.
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