An eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist to check visual acuity, tracking, depth perception, and eye health.
Documentation from outside providers (e.g., speech or occupational therapists) that track goals, progress, and recommendations.Key Forms: Therapy Progress Notes, Plan of Care
A psychological evaluation focused on understanding the impact of trauma or chronic stress on a child’s behavior and emotional health.
Supports and planning that begin by age 16 (or earlier) to prepare students for life after high school — college, work, or independent living.Key Forms: Transition Plan (part of IEP), Student Interest Survey, Post-Secondary Goals Page
Tests that identify toxic or environmental factors that may affect development or behavior.
These evaluations are conducted by licensed therapists or clinical specialists to determine a child’s treatment needs, therapy goals, and baseline skills. They help identify how a child’s physical, sensory, communication, or behavioral differences affect daily functioning — both at home and in school.
A written complaint filed with your State Education Agency (SEA) when a school violates IDEA regulations.Key Forms: State Complaint Form, SEA Resolution Letter
Paperwork required by state disability or developmental service agencies for programs like:
An assessment by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) that measures how a child understands, uses, and processes language and speech sounds.
These evaluations provide a deeper look into specific medical, emotional, or developmental concerns when initial testing doesn’t explain the full picture. They help clarify complex or co-occurring conditions (for example, autism with anxiety, or ADHD with sleep problems) and can connect school findings with medical causes that affect learning and behavior.
Tailored instruction and support for a student whose disability affects their ability to learn in a typical classroom. It can include academic, behavioral, or functional skill instruction, delivered in a variety of settings. Key Forms: Individualized Education Program (IEP), Evaluation Reports, Progress Reports
Forms required by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or state disability offices to verify a child’s eligibility for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or related supports.
Assesses a child’s ability to use language appropriately in social situations — such as taking turns, interpreting tone, understanding jokes, or making eye contact.
A test performed overnight in a sleep lab or with an at-home monitor to measure brain waves, breathing, oxygen, heart rate, and movement during sleep.
A specialized assessment conducted by a sleep medicine specialist to identify sleep disturbances that may affect mood, behavior, or learning.
Describes where and how often a student receives special education or related services (e.g., inclusion class, pull-out sessions, therapy blocks).Key Forms: Service Schedule, Provider Logs
A standardized questionnaire completed by parents and teachers that evaluates how a child responds to sensory input in daily life.
An in-depth evaluation that measures how a child’s brain processes and responds to sensory input — like sound, touch, movement, or light.
A short document confirming that a child attends school, therapy sessions, or a treatment program regularly.
A form allowing schools and medical providers to share information about your child, with your written permission.Key Forms: ROI Authorization Form
Extra supports a child may need to benefit from their education — including speech therapy, occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), counseling, transportation, or nursing services. Key Forms: Related Service Logs, Therapy Progress Notes, Service Delivery Schedules
Conducted at least every three years (or sooner if needed) to review progress and determine continued eligibility. Key Forms: Reevaluation Planning Form, Parent Input Questionnaire, Updated Assessments
A detailed assessment conducted by a psychiatrist (medical doctor specializing in mental health).
A clinical summary verifying a medical or psychological diagnosis.
Regular data collection on how well your child is meeting IEP goals or responding to supports.Key Forms: Goal Progress Reports, Progress Monitoring Graphs, Quarterly Updates
A document schools must give parents explaining their rights under IDEA, including how to file complaints or request mediation.Key Forms: Procedural Safeguards Notice, Acknowledgment of Receipt
A required notice schools must give before making or refusing any change to a child’s identification, placement, or services. It explains what the school is proposing, why, and what data they used. Key Forms: PWN Letter, Parent Response Section
An assessment by a physical therapist that looks at a child’s gross motor skills, strength, and body control.
Schools must get written permission from parents before evaluating or providing services. Consent can be given or withdrawn at any time. Key Forms: Consent for Evaluation, Consent for Services, Revocation of Consent Letter
An assessment conducted by an occupational therapist to understand how a child performs daily activities and uses their hands, coordination, and sensory systems.
A detailed, medical-based assessment that examines how the brain impacts learning, attention, memory, and problem-solving.
An assessment by a neurologist to check how the brain, spinal cord, and nerves are functioning.
Medical imaging tests that examine brain structure and function to identify neurological causes of developmental or behavioral symptoms.
These are among the most common and foundational diagnostic reports for children with learning or behavioral differences.
A change in what the student is expected to learn — adjusting the standard or content.🔹 Example: Simplified assignments or alternative grading.Key Forms: Modified Curriculum Plan, Teacher Documentation
A specialized medical workup to identify whether the body has trouble producing or using energy due to enzyme or mitochondrial dysfunction.
Plans developed for students with medical needs (e.g., asthma, diabetes, seizures) outlining emergency care steps.Key Forms: Individual Health Plan (IHP), Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
Medical and developmental evaluations are formal assessments conducted by healthcare or developmental specialists to understand how a child grows, learns, communicates, and functions in daily life.
A voluntary process to resolve disagreements with the help of a neutral third party.Key Forms: Mediation Request Form, Mediation Agreement
The setting in which a student with disabilities can learn and participate with peers to the greatest extent appropriate, with supports or accommodations in place. Key Forms: Placement Decision Form, IEP Placement Page
Assesses a student’s ability to read, write, and do math to identify specific learning disorders such as:
Determines whether a child has significant limitations in intellectual functioning (reasoning, problem-solving) and adaptive behavior (daily living and social skills).
The process of testing and collecting data to determine if a student qualifies for special education or 504 services. Must be completed within 60 calendar days (or less, depending on state rules) after written parental consent. Key Forms: Evaluation Consent Form, Psychoeducational Assessment, Eligibility Report
A legally binding document developed under IDEA that describes a student’s present levels of performance, annual goals, accommodations, and services. The IEP must be reviewed and updated yearly. Key Forms: IEP Document, Meeting Invitation, Parent Consent for Initial Services, Progress Report
If you disagree with a school’s evaluation, you can request an independent evaluation at the school district’s expense. Key Forms: IEE Request Letter, District Response Letter, Outside Evaluation Report
Tests how well a child hears different sounds and speech frequencies.
Genetic testing looks at a child’s DNA to find chromosomal or gene-level differences that may explain developmental or medical conditions.
An assessment by a pediatric gastroenterologist to evaluate digestive and feeding concerns, which are common in children with developmental differences.
Identifies why a behavior happens and what supports are needed.
A school-based process to understand why a student’s challenging behaviors occur and what environmental or emotional triggers may cause them.
The right of every child with a disability to receive a free, individualized education that meets their needs and prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living. Key Forms: IEP or 504 Plan; Prior Written Notice (PWN) explaining any proposed or denied actions
Purpose These forms and letters are used to verify a child’s disability, confirm eligibility for services, or meet documentation requirements from schools, healthcare agencies, insurance providers, or government programs. They serve as official proof that a child has a diagnosed condition or receives specific supports — often required for programs like Social Security (SSI), Medicaid waivers, state disability services, or special education eligibility under IDEA or Section 504.
A specialized X-ray procedure performed by a speech-language pathologist and radiologist to evaluate how safely a child swallows food and liquids.
Conducted by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or occupational therapist (OT) trained in feeding and swallowing disorders.
An evaluation that examines planning, organization, working memory, impulse control, and attention regulation.
A concise version of a full diagnostic or psychological evaluation used to support applications for disability benefits or state programs.
A medical assessment of the hormone systems that control growth, thyroid function, metabolism, and puberty.
Evaluates emotional regulation, behavior patterns, and how they impact school performance or social relationships.
A formal legal procedure for resolving disputes between families and schools over special education services.Key Forms: Due Process Request Form, Mediation Agreement, Hearing Decision
Sometimes required for school-based therapies like OT, PT, or nursing.Key Forms: Physician’s Order for School Services
A formal letter written by a licensed professional (doctor, psychologist, or specialist) confirming that a child has a disability or medical condition that impacts daily functioning.
A physical, emotional, developmental, or learning condition that significantly limits one or more major life activities (like walking, reading, concentrating, or communicating). Under IDEA, students must meet one of 13 disability categories. Under Section 504 and the ADA, the definition is broader — any condition that substantially limits a major life activity qualifies. Key Forms: Eligibility Determination Form, Medical Documentation, Diagnostic Reports
Diagnostic reports are formal written evaluations created by qualified professionals—such as developmental pediatricians, psychologists, neuropsychologists, or psychiatrists—to document a child’s specific medical or developmental condition. These reports often follow standardized testing and clinical observations such as: These reports serve as the foundation for accessing supports—schools use them to determine IEP or 504 eligibilities, therapists use them to guide treatment goals, and insurers require them to verify medical necessity for coverage. They provide a complete, evidence-based snapshot of a child’s functioning and needs.
Medical or psychological evaluations (e.g., autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning disorder) that help the school determine eligibility.Key Forms: Doctor’s Report, Neuropsychological Evaluation, DSM-5 Diagnosis Summary
A thorough medical evaluation performed by a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, focusing on how a child learns, communicates, moves, and interacts.
A comprehensive evaluation for children under age 5 who may be behind in developmental milestones.
Documents showing that a parent or guardian authorized evaluations, information sharing, or services.
A broad assessment that looks at a child’s cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and social functioning.
Confirms or rules out known genetic syndromes that impact development, such as:
A heart-focused medical exam performed by a pediatric cardiologist.
An initial evaluation by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or behavior therapist to understand behavior patterns and identify underlying causes.
Uses FBA results to outline strategies and supports for positive behavior.Key Forms: FBA Report, BIP Document, Behavior Tracking Sheets
A comprehensive diagnostic assessment that determines whether a child meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
An assessment by a speech-language pathologist specializing in communication technology and access tools.
Tools or equipment that help a child learn, communicate, or move through their environment (e.g., text-to-speech software, adapted keyboards, or mobility devices).Key Forms: AT Consideration Checklist, Device Loan Agreement, Training Log
Focuses on emotional and mood-related concerns that affect learning, attendance, and participation.
Testing by an allergist/immunologist to assess food, environmental, or immune-related conditions.
An evaluation focused on identifying Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, which affects attention, focus, organization, and impulse control.
Measures a child’s ability to perform everyday life skills, including communication, self-care, safety, and social understanding.
A change in how learning happens — without changing what is being taught.🔹 Example: Extended time on tests, preferential seating, breaks during class.Key Forms: Accommodation List, 504/IEP Implementation Checklist
A plan under Section 504 that ensures students with disabilities have equal access to learning and school activities through reasonable accommodations (e.g., extra time, quiet space, or assistive technology). Key Forms: 504 Plan Template, Medical Verification, Accommodation Summary Sheet
