This summer, Texas updated its terminology for educational disability designations. 

The designation Emotional Disturbance has been changed to Emotional Disability. According to the Texas Education Agency, this change is intended to reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions and to modernize language.

Texas also added Developmental Delay as an eligible category for children ages three to nine. Previously, Texas did not recognize developmental delay for children older than three, which could lead to gaps in services when transitioning from Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) to Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). This change aims to provide more consistent support for young children who exhibit developmental delays, ensuring they receive necessary interventions during this critical period of development​. School districts are not required to use the new Developmental Delay disability designation but may, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year.  Noncategorical Early Childhood (NCEC) must no longer be used beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. Students who begin the 2025-2026 school year with NCEC may maintain this eligibility until the required re-evaluation before the age of 6. 

See Texas Administrative Code Title 19 Chapter 89 - Eligibility Criteria for these updated disability designations.