Requesting an ADHD Evaluation From an Arizona Public School

Good grades do not rule a child out

Some parents hold back from asking because their child is passing. The Arizona Department of Education's child find guidance says that federal rules require schools to identify, locate and evaluate children with disabilities who need special education, and to include children who are suspected of having a disability even if they are advancing from grade to grade.

That matters for attention. A child can earn decent grades while losing hours to unfinished work, missed directions or a sense of being "always in trouble." Under the federal IDEA definition, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one example of a health problem that can count as an "other health impairment" when it adversely affects a child's educational performance.

According to the same guidance, each public education agency in Arizona must have written procedures for identifying and referring children with disabilities within its boundaries, including children in private schools and children who are home schooled. Charter schools are responsible for identifying students enrolled with them. This article is general information, not legal advice.

From written request to eligibility decision

The Arizona Department of Education's timelines guidance quotes the State Board of Education rule, A.A.C. R7-2-401, for each step. Here is the order it describes when a parent asks.

1. 1Put your request in writingDate it and keep a copy. The timelines guidance ties the school's first deadline to a parent's written request for an evaluation.
2. 2The school responds within 15 school daysWithin a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed 15 school days from receiving your written request, the school must either begin the evaluation by reviewing existing data or give you prior written notice refusing to conduct it.
3. 3You decide on consentState law, A.R.S. § 15-766, says the school's notice about an initial evaluation must tell you explicitly that you have the option to consent or refuse.
4. 4The 60-day evaluation periodIt starts when the school receives your informed written consent and ends with the date the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) determines eligibility.
5. 5An IEP, if your child is eligibleThe guidance cites the federal rule that the IEP team must meet to develop an IEP within 30 calendar days of the date eligibility was determined.

What counts toward the 60 days

The guidance is direct about breaks: the 60-day timeframe means 60 calendar days and includes school breaks, so summer vacation does not pause it. It quotes federal guidance that an initial evaluation should not be unreasonably delayed.

There is one way to stretch it. The rule says the 60-day period may be extended for an additional 30 days if that is in the best interest of the child, and the parent and school agree in writing. If you are asked to agree, it is fair to ask why the extra time helps your child.

Separately, the child find guidance describes screening. Arizona rules say screening for possible disabilities is completed within 45 calendar days after a parent notifies the school of concerns about a child's developmental or educational progress, for children aged 3 through 21. If screening finds a concern, the school notifies parents within 10 school days.

Section 504 in Arizona schools

Section 504 is a federal civil rights law, and it applies in Arizona public schools too. The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights says it covers students with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, and the examples it lists include learning, reading, concentrating and thinking.

A district must evaluate a student before providing Section 504 services, and it needs parental permission for an initial evaluation. Districts may use the same process they use for special education. A group of people who know the student, the evaluation data and the options makes the decision.

A diagnosis is one piece of information, not the answer. The Office for Civil Rights says a physician's diagnosis may be considered among other sources, and that a medical diagnosis does not automatically mean a student can receive services. Ask your district which process it is using and how long it expects to take.

Where a private evaluation fits

A private evaluation is one your family arranges to answer your own questions about attention, learning and behavior. It runs on its own schedule, separate from the school's 60-day clock, and it does not replace the school's evaluation.

If you share one, the federal IDEA rules say the school must consider the results, if the evaluation meets the school's criteria, in decisions about your child's education. Under Section 504, the Office for Civil Rights says an outside evaluation may be one of many sources, and the committee decides how much weight it carries.

How we can help

Locascio Wellness offers a child ADHD evaluation entirely by secure video, for young people who are physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona during appointments. A parent or guardian arranges the evaluation and takes part. In our experience, the organizations that ask for evaluations have not raised video as a concern, but we cannot promise a school will accept a report, so ask your school what it needs before you book.

It usually involves an intake appointment, one or two sessions, and the written report, which is currently usually ready about a month after the first evaluation appointment. Evaluations are private-pay, a sliding scale is available, and you can read about what evaluations cost. Other types are listed on our psychological evaluations page.

Start with the short evaluation request form or book a free 15-minute consultation. Therapists on our team also offer child therapy and teen therapy by video, as a separate service. If your child is in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services.