Is It Too Late to Request a Special Education Evaluation?

School Psychology & Special Education
Written By Jenn Giesler

As the school year winds down, many parents begin to wonder if they missed their chance to ask for extra support for their child. The good news: it is never too late to request a special education evaluation.

If your child is struggling academically, behaviorally, socially, emotionally, or developmentally, you have the right to make a written request for an evaluation at any point during the school year, even near the end. Taking action now can help position your child for a stronger start next school year.

What Happens After You Request an Evaluation in Texas?

In Texas, schools generally follow these timelines:

  • 15 school days to respond to your written request

  • 45 school days to complete the evaluation

  • 30 school days to hold the ARD meeting after the evaluation is completed

Because these are school-day timelines, requesting an evaluation now often means the process may continue into the beginning of the next school year. That is still valuable. Starting now can prevent delays later.

What Can You Ask to Be Evaluated For?

A Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) can look at many areas of need. Some common concerns include:

  • Learning Disabilities (reading, writing, math)

  • Developmental Delays

  • Other Health Impairments (OHI) such as ADHD

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Speech or Language Needs

  • Emotional or Behavioral Concerns

  • Counseling Services

  • Social Skills Needs

If your child’s challenges are affecting school performance, it may be appropriate to request testing.

What If We Already Had an ARD Meeting This Year?

Even if your child already had an ARD meeting this year, you can still request an evaluation for new concerns.
For example:

  • New attention concerns

  • Emotional struggles or anxiety

  • Regression in skills

  • Behavior changes

  • Possible dyslexia or learning issues

  • Social difficulties

If something has changed, it is best to submit your request as soon as possible.

How to Make the Request

Put your request in writing and email it to your child’s principal, special education department, or counselor. Keep a copy for your records.
You can say:
“I am requesting a Full Individual Evaluation for my child due to concerns with academics/behavior/development. Please provide me with the next steps.”

Need More Information?

Texas special education parent resources can be found here:
Texas SPED Support https://www.spedtex.org/

Need Help Understanding Evaluations or Next Steps?

At Grounded Roots Family Development Center, we help families understand school concerns, evaluations, ADHD, autism, learning differences, and behavioral needs.

Contact us here: https://www.groundedrootsfdc.com/contact

Jenn Giesler
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