How to Request a Special Education Services

If your child is struggling in school or not making expected progress, it’s important to consider requesting a special education evaluation. This assessment, conducted by your public school district, determines whether your child has a disability and if they require special education services to support their learning needs.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), students with disabilities are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). To qualify, a child must have a disability, such as:

• Autism

• Specific learning disability (SLD), including dyslexia

• Intellectual disability

• Other health impairments, such as ADHD

• Emotional disturbance

• Speech or language impairment

• Visual impairment

• Deafness or hearing impairment

• Orthopedic impairment

• Deaf-blindness

• Multiple disabilities

• Traumatic brain injury

Follow these steps to request a special education evaluation.

1. Write a Formal Request

The first step is to submit a written request to your school’s principal or special education director, which starts the evaluation process. Once the school receives your request, they must follow a set timeline.

Your letter should include the following details:

• Clearly state that you are requesting a special education evaluation for your child.

• Provide your child’s full name, teacher’s name, and the school they attend.

• Explain your concerns, including any specific behaviors or struggles that make you believe your child may need special education services.

• Include a statement of your consent for the evaluation, as schools cannot proceed without it. You may also receive a separate consent form to sign.

• Request copies of the evaluation results before any meetings.

• Include your name, address, email, and phone number for communication.

Consider using a sample letter as a guide to ensure you include all necessary information.

2. Deliver the Letter

Hand deliver your request to the school or the special education office and ask for a date-stamped copy for your records. If you can’t deliver it in person, send the letter via certified mail or email with the read receipt turned on to ensure the school has received your formal request.

3. School’s Response

The school must respond to your request within 15 school days. If they agree to conduct an evaluation, they will send you a written notice proposing the evaluation, a copy of the procedural safeguards, and a consent form to officially begin the assessment process.

4. Return Consents and other documentation

You need to complete, sign and return these forms for the process to continue. You can also provide the school with any assessment reports you have such as the Autism Diagnosis report.

5. Conducting the Evaluation

Once the school receives your signed consent, they will proceed with the evaluations. These assessments are carried out during the school day by school staff. If any assessments require additional approval, the school will notify you in advance.

6. The Evaluation Meeting

After the evaluation is complete, the school will schedule a meeting to review the results and determine if your child is eligible for special education services. Request copies of the evaluation results in advance so you can review them before the meeting. In most cases, this meeting must occur within 60 days of the initial evaluation request, though timelines may vary by state.

If your child is found eligible for services, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be developed. If you disagree with the school’s findings, you have the right to request a due process hearing to challenge the results.

Advocating for Your Child

Requesting a special education evaluation is a critical step toward ensuring your child with autism receives the support they need in school. By following these steps and staying involved in the process, you’ll help your child access the resources and services required to succeed.