6 benefits of having your child evaluated

If you’re hesitant about having your child evaluated, you’re not alone. It can be a hard decision for many families. Some worry their child will be labeled or treated differently. Others wonder if their child’s challenges are “serious enough” for an evaluation.

As you make your decision, keep in mind the benefits of getting your child evaluated. Here are six reasons why a private or school evaluation can help your child.

1. It’s the first step toward getting your child help.

An evaluation can lead to your child getting needed support to thrive at school. The school will use the results to decide if your child is eligible.

Watch a mom (and expert) explain how getting an evaluation can help your child.

2. It helps you and the school understand your child’s challenges.

The testing will show exactly which skills your child is struggling with. That includes academic and cognitive skills, along with social-emotional skills. Testing will also shed light on your child’s strengths. Having that information lets you and the school use your child’s strengths to work on challenges.

Get an inside look at an evaluation.

3. It helps the school provide targeted support.

If your child is eligible, the school will use the evaluation results to create an IEP. This legal plan provides the specific help your child needs to improve. That may include individualized instruction, supports like accommodations, and therapies like speech-language or occupational therapy. The IEP will include specific goals for your child and ways to measure progress.

Learn more about the IEP process.

4. It can be a relief for you.

Nobody wants to find out their child has challenges. But not knowing for sure can create stress and uncertainty. When you learn more about why your child is struggling, it’s easier to reach out for support for yourself and your child.

5. It can be a relief for your child.

Many kids feel better knowing there’s a reason for their difficulties. An evaluator can explain to kids why they’re struggling. Just having a name for their challenges can be a relief.

An evaluator can also explain how different supports and interventions can help. This lets kids know that the school and their family are working together to help them. And it gives them a chance to participate in that process.

Get tips for talking with your child about learning and thinking differences.

6. It sheds light on strategies that can help at home.

When you understand what your child is struggling with, you can find tools and approaches to help outside of school. There might be assistive technology that makes things easier, like text-to-speech. Or simple tools like calendars, timers, and pencil grips that can ease everyday challenges.

Understanding why your child is struggling allows you to get the right help and support at school. Follow these steps to request a school evaluation. And get answers to common questions about evaluations.