If you notice that your child’s physical or behavioral health is different from other children their age, you are probably trying to understand an explanation and learn what kinds of supports would be helpful. However, the options can be overwhelming – where should you go to get these answers and what information can you expect? There are two major ways you can get an evaluation of your child and recommendations based on their needs – through the medical system and through the educational system.

Why get a medical evaluation?

If your child experiences challenges that affect their or your family’s quality of life, a medical evaluation may provide a medical diagnosis that explains why these problems are happening. A medical diagnosis allows for recommendations for services that can help address challenges, can give you predictions about what to expect over time, and can connect you to other resources for learning and support such as parent groups or advocacy organizations. Depending on your insurance coverage, interventions and support related to a medical diagnosis can be covered by health insurance.

Why get an educational evaluation?

If you have concerns about how your child is developing, learning or showing skills, an evaluation through the educational system can, depending on the child’s age, either describe areas of delay or provide a classification of an educational disability. If your child is found to have a delay or meet criteria for an educational disability, they would be eligible for early intervention or special education supports. These supports are provided free of charge in the child’s natural environment (at home or in an early childcare setting for younger children, at school for older children).

What’s the difference?

Medical and educational evaluations take place in two different systems and open the door to supports in each individual system. A medical diagnosis does not mean a child will be eligible for special education supports, and an educational classification of disability does not automatically lead to health insurance coverage for medical interventions. It is important to seek out both medical and educational evaluations to have comprehensive support across both systems. It’s often helpful to pursue both pathways at the same time, but you should start wherever you feel most comfortable.

Understanding IEPs and 504 Plans: A guide for parents – Children’s National

How to get a medical evaluation

The best place to start with a medical evaluation is by asking your child’s primary care provider. Your medical provider may ask you to complete screening questionnaires, ask questions about what your child is experiencing, and possibly complete some medical procedures (such as blood tests or saliva swabs) in the primary care office. Some conditions can be diagnosed without seeing a specialist, while other questions might require a specialist visit. Your primary care provider might recommend seeing a few different specialists to get a comprehensive perspective.

How to get an educational evaluation

The steps to get an educational evaluation depend on your child’s age and where you’re located:

District of Columbia:

• Strong Start DC Early Intervention Program: for children under 2 years and 8 months
• Early Stages: for children 2 years and 8 months to kindergarten enrollment
• Determining Special Education Needs for K to 12 Students

Maryland:

• Maryland Special Education Services: for children from birth through 21 Years
• Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program (MITP): directs a family-centered system of early intervention services for young children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families.

• Preschool Special Education: provides specialized instruction and related services, such as speech-language therapy, physical and occupational therapy, to young children ages three through five, determined eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and in accordance with State regulations for special education.

Virginia:

• Special Education Virginia Department of Education
• Virginia special education services for children birth to age five
• Early childhood special education eligibility resources

Additional resources for special education and children with disabilities:

• DC Special Education Hub: helps families understand special education in the District of Columbia. Their team connects families with tools, information and 1:1 support so families can make informed decisions to guide their child’s learning.

• DC Autism Collaborative: resources for parents and caregivers
• Judy Centers: provides access to health and developmental screenings, and parent workshops.
• Parents’ Place of Maryland (PPMD): a parent training and information center that provides resources, advocacy and support for families of children with disabilities. They offer guidance on early intervention and special education processes, along with workshops and training for parents.