How an Arizona Public School Evaluates Your Child for Autism

Two routes to the word autism

Perhaps your child's teacher has noticed that conversations with classmates seem hard, or that changes in routine lead to big reactions. Asking the school to take a closer look is an ordinary and sensible step. It helps to know first that Arizona describes two separate routes, and they answer different questions. This article is general information, not legal advice.

The first is a medical diagnosis. The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) explains that children who show difficulties in communication, socializing and behavior are evaluated by practitioners such as pediatricians, neurologists, psychiatrists or clinical psychologists.

The second is educational eligibility. ADE says a child may be eligible for special education under the autism category if the disability affects their performance and access to the general education curriculum, and a team that knows the child, including the parents, decides whether the child needs specialized instruction. ADE is clear that a diagnosis does not automatically establish eligibility for special education.

Who makes the school's decision

ADE answers this directly: no single individual determines eligibility. Not a medical doctor, a school psychologist, a teacher, a school administrator or a parent. During an initial evaluation, the student's team, including the parents and other qualified professionals, reviews existing information and decides what more is needed. Then a group of qualified professionals and the parent decide whether the child has a qualifying disability and what the child needs.

Eligibility has two parts. ADE explains that a child must have a qualifying disability that adversely affects educational performance and must, because of it, need special education and related services. That is why a diagnosis alone does not settle the question.

One more point matters to families. ADE says schools cannot require parents to secure medical verification of a disability as part of the initial evaluation, because the school has its own duty to conduct a full and individual evaluation.

From written request to eligibility decision

Arizona State Board of Education rules, as ADE explains them, set out these timelines:

1. 1You put your request in writingDate it, say you are requesting a special education evaluation and that you would like autism considered, and give a few concrete examples from home and school. Keep a copy.
2. 2Within 15 school daysThe school must either begin the evaluation by reviewing existing data, or give you prior written notice that it refuses to conduct the evaluation.
3. 3You give informed written consentThe 60-day evaluation period starts when the school receives your consent. Arizona law also says the school's notice must tell you that you may consent to or refuse the initial evaluation.
4. 4Within 60 daysThe evaluation ends with the multidisciplinary evaluation team (MET) deciding on eligibility. ADE says these are calendar days and include school breaks such as summer.

Extensions, grades and screening

The 60 days can be extended by up to 30 days only if it is in your child's best interest and both you and the school agree in writing. If your child is found eligible, ADE says the school must hold a meeting to develop an individualized education program (IEP) within 30 calendar days.

Good grades do not rule a child out. ADE says a student who is advancing from grade to grade can still be eligible, and that a school's duty to find children with disabilities includes those children.

Arizona rules also require screening for possible disabilities within 45 calendar days after a parent tells the school about concerns with the development or educational progress of a child aged 3 through 21. If you want a full evaluation rather than a screening, say so in your written request.

If your child is younger than 3

Autism signs can show in toddlers. If you have concerns about a baby or toddler, talk with your pediatrician, and contact the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP). The Arizona Department of Economic Security says AzEIP is the statewide system that supports families of infants and toddlers with disabilities or delays, and that if you think a child under age 3 is not meeting developmental milestones, AzEIP can help find resources and support.

Where a private evaluation fits

A private evaluation is one your family arranges to understand your child more fully. ADE says the school's educational team reviews all of the documentation about a child, which can include a medical diagnosis, to decide the impact on learning or whether more testing is needed.

Sharing a report is your choice. The team still makes its own decision, and it may decide that more testing is needed. Before you arrange anything, ask the school what it plans to assess and what an outside report would need to include.

How we can help

If you are still deciding whether to ask anyone, our autism signs checklist is an informal list that can help you decide whether to talk to someone. It is not a screening test, it is not validated and it cannot diagnose.

Locascio Wellness offers a child autism evaluation by secure video. Evaluations are offered only to people physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona during appointments, and a parent or guardian arranges it and takes part. It usually involves an intake appointment, then one or two sessions, then the written report, which at the moment is usually ready about a month after the first evaluation appointment.

Evaluations are private-pay and are not billed to insurance. A sliding scale is available, and you can read about what evaluations cost. We cannot promise a school will accept or act on a report, so ask the school what it needs and share that with us. To start, use the short evaluation request form, noting any school dates, or book a free 15-minute consultation.

We do not offer autism therapy, ABA, speech or occupational therapy. A diagnosis may open other supports that families arrange with their doctor or school. For ongoing emotional support, therapists on our team offer child therapy and anxiety therapy by video. If your child is in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services.