Should My Child Be Evaluated?
This simple screener helps you reflect on common school-related concerns that may be worth discussing with your child's teacher or school team.
Noticing concerns does not mean something is “wrong” with your child. This tool is only meant to help you organize what you are seeing and think about possible next steps.
How to Use This Tool
Answer based on what you consistently observe — not one-off incidents.
There are no right or wrong answers. Your perspective as a parent matters.
This is not a diagnosis. It is a starting point to help you decide whether to ask for more information.
Your result updates as you answer. More complete answers give a more accurate picture.
Progress
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A. Learning and Academics
Does your child struggle much more than expected with reading, writing, or math?
Does your child need repeated help to complete schoolwork that peers can do more independently?
Has your child fallen behind academically despite extra effort or help?
Does your child avoid or resist schoolwork significantly more than peers?
Does your child have trouble keeping up in class even with extra support?
B. Communication
Is your child hard for teachers or other adults to understand?
Does your child struggle to express thoughts, needs, or ideas clearly?
Does your child have trouble understanding directions or spoken language?
Does your child seem frustrated when trying to communicate at school?
C. Attention and Behavior
Does your child have significant trouble focusing, staying seated, or finishing tasks?
Does your child have frequent meltdowns, shutdowns, or difficulty recovering during the school day?
Does behavior interfere with learning on a regular basis?
Does your child act impulsively in ways that affect their schoolwork or relationships?
Does your child seem significantly more restless or inattentive than peers?
D. Social Interaction
Does your child avoid peers or seem unsure how to interact socially?
Does your child struggle to read social cues or join group activities?
Does your child seem isolated compared with peers?
Does your child have difficulty making or keeping friendships?
E. Sensory or Motor Concerns
Does your child seem unusually overwhelmed by noise, clothing, movement, or transitions?
Does your child struggle with fine motor tasks like writing, cutting, or buttoning?
Does your child have coordination or movement difficulties that affect school tasks?
Does your child seek or avoid certain sensory experiences in ways that disrupt their day?
F. Daily School Functioning
Does your child need much more support than peers to stay organized or complete tasks?
Does your child have difficulty following routines or transitions at school?
Does school seem to take an unusually high emotional toll on your child?
Does your child frequently forget materials, assignments, or instructions?
Does your child seem to work much harder than peers just to keep up?
Your Result
Answer the questions above to see your result.
Next Steps
- Request a School Evaluation — Generate a parent-friendly letter to formally request an evaluation.
- Early Signs — Specific developmental and learning signs worth discussing with a teacher or doctor.
- Questions to Ask — Practical questions to bring to your next IEP or teacher meeting.
- Analyze Your IEP — Already have an IEP? Upload or paste it for a plain-English breakdown.
- Start Here — An overview of the IEP process for parents who are just getting started.
Common Questions About School Evaluations
Is this a diagnosis?
No. This screener is not a diagnostic tool. It does not identify any condition, disability, or disorder. It is a reflection tool to help you think through what you have been observing and whether it may be worth asking for more information.
Can I request an evaluation even if I am not sure?
Yes. You do not need to be certain something is wrong — and you do not need a doctor's referral or a teacher's recommendation. Under IDEA, any parent can request a special education evaluation at any time. The school must respond to your request in writing.
What if the teacher does not see the same concerns I do?
This is more common than many parents realize. Children often hold it together at school but struggle at home, and vice versa. Your observations are valid, and you have the right to request an evaluation even if the teacher has not raised concerns.
Should I document what I notice?
Yes — it helps. Keep a simple log: date, what happened, and how often it occurs. This documentation can be useful when talking to teachers, school teams, or outside professionals. No special format is required.
What happens after I request an evaluation?
The school must respond in writing — typically within a set number of days that varies by state. They will either agree to evaluate your child and send you a consent form, or explain in writing why they are declining. No testing begins until you sign the consent form.
This screener provides general educational information only. It is not a diagnostic tool and does not constitute medical, psychological, or legal advice. Results are based on your self-reported observations and are intended solely to help you think through possible next steps. If you have concerns about your child's health or development, consult a qualified professional.