Parent Tips Before the Evaluation

Introduction

Preparing for your child's evaluation can feel overwhelming. Whether it's an educational assessment, developmental screening, or psychological evaluation, approximately 17% of children receive some form of evaluation during their school years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As parents, understanding how to navigate this process effectively can significantly impact both your experience and your child's outcomes.

This guide provides essential tips to help you prepare for your child's upcoming evaluation, addressing common concerns and offering practical strategies to ensure you get the most valuable information to support your child's development.

 

Understanding the Purpose of Evaluations

Before diving into preparation tips, it's crucial to understand why evaluations matter. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, early identification of developmental or learning differences can lead to interventions that are up to 80% more effective when implemented before age 5 compared to later interventions.

Educational and developmental evaluations serve several purposes:

• Identifying learning differences or developmental delays

• Determining eligibility for special education services or accommodations

• Creating tailored educational plans based on your child's specific needs

• Establishing baselines for measuring progress

• Providing insights into your child's unique learning style and strengths

 

1. Gather and Organize Relevant Documentation

One of the most valuable things you can do before an evaluation is to organize your child's records. Research published in the Journal of Educational Psychology suggests that comprehensive background information can improve assessment accuracy by up to 35%.

Important documents to compile:

• Medical records related to development

• Previous evaluation reports

• School records (report cards, standardized test scores, teacher notes)

• Samples of schoolwork showing areas of concern

• Developmental milestone records

• Medication history (if applicable)

• Notes on behavioral patterns you've observed

 

Pro tip: Create a dedicated folder (digital or physical) with chronologically organized documents. This not only helps evaluators but ensures you don't forget critical information during discussions.

 

2. Track Specific Behaviors and Concerns

According to research from the National Institute of Mental Health, parent observations provide crucial contextual information that standardized assessments alone may miss in up to 40% of cases.

In the weeks leading up to the evaluation:

• Keep a log of specific behaviors that concern you

• Note when these behaviors occur and potential triggers

• Document your child's strengths and interests

• Record how your child approaches challenging tasks

• Track sleeping, eating, and social interaction patterns

 

Be as specific as possible. Instead of noting "trouble with math," record "struggles with word problems but excels at basic calculations" or "becomes visibly anxious when faced with multi-step math problems."

 

3. Prepare Your Child Appropriately

How you discuss the upcoming evaluation with your child matters significantly. A study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children who understand the purpose of assessments demonstrate 25% less anxiety during the process.

Age-appropriate ways to explain evaluations:

For younger children (ages 3-7): "You're going to meet someone who wants to play some thinking games with you. These games help grown-ups understand how you learn best."

For older children (ages 8-12): "This evaluation will help us figure out how your brain works best. Everyone learns differently, and this helps your teachers and us know how to make learning better for you."

For teenagers: "This assessment identifies your academic strengths and challenges. The results can help get you support that makes school more manageable and plays to your strengths."

 

Avoid language that might cause anxiety, like "testing" or "diagnosis." Instead, frame it as a way to learn more about their unique thinking and learning style.

 

4. Consider Timing Carefully

The timing of an evaluation can significantly affect results. Research published in the Journal of School Psychology indicates that assessments conducted during a child's optimal alertness period yield up to 20% more accurate results.

Timing considerations:

• Schedule during your child's most alert time of day when possible

• Avoid times immediately before meals or naps

• Ensure your child has had adequate sleep the night before

• Consider postponing if your child is ill or unusually stressed

• Allow buffer time so you don't feel rushed

 

Some children perform best in the morning, while others are more focused after physical activity or lunch. Consider your child's natural rhythms when scheduling.

 

5. Prepare a Comprehensive List of Questions

Only 30% of parents report feeling fully prepared with questions before evaluations, according to a survey by the Learning Disabilities Association of America. Yet asking the right questions is crucial for understanding results and next steps.

Essential questions to prepare:

About the evaluation process:

• What specific areas will the evaluation assess?

• How long will the process take?

• What types of activities will my child be doing?

• How can I best support my child during the evaluation?

About the results:

• When and how will results be shared?

• How will you explain results in terms we can understand?

• Will we receive a written report?

• What do the scores or findings actually mean for day-to-day life?

About next steps:

• Based on potential findings, what interventions might be recommended?

• What resources are available through the school/healthcare system?

• How often should we reassess progress?

• What can we do at home to support our child's development?

 

Write these questions down and bring them with you. This ensures you don't forget important points during what can be an emotionally charged conversation.

 

6. Communicate with Current Teachers or Providers

Teachers and other professionals who interact with your child regularly can provide valuable insights. According to the National Association of School Psychologists, incorporating teacher observations improves evaluation accuracy by approximately 45%.

Before the evaluation:

• Request that current teachers complete any required questionnaires

• Ask teachers to document specific examples of concerns or strengths

• Encourage direct communication between evaluators and teachers

• Share relevant schoolwork samples that illustrate concerns

• Ensure permission forms are completed for information sharing

 

This collaborative approach ensures evaluators have a comprehensive picture of your child across different environments.

 

7. Be Prepared to Share Family History and Context

Environmental and genetic factors play significant roles in many conditions. The American Psychological Association notes that family history information can improve diagnostic accuracy by up to 30% for certain developmental and learning differences.

Be ready to discuss:

• Family history of learning differences, ADHD, autism, or mental health conditions

• Significant life events or changes (moves, divorces, losses)

• Family dynamics and home environment

• Parenting approaches and challenges

• Cultural factors that may influence behavior or learning

• Languages spoken at home

• Sleep routines and nutrition patterns

 

While some questions may feel personal, this information provides crucial context for interpreting evaluation results.

 

8. Manage Your Own Expectations and Emotions

Parental anxiety can unintentionally influence children. Research in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology found that children can detect parental anxiety, potentially affecting their performance by up to 15% during evaluations.

Healthy approaches include:

• Acknowledging your own feelings about the evaluation

• Focusing on the evaluation as a tool for understanding and support

• Avoiding language that suggests something is "wrong" with your child

• Recognizing that all children have varying strengths and challenges

• Viewing the evaluation as a step toward appropriate support, not a label

 

If you're feeling particularly anxious, consider talking with a friend, family member, or professional before the evaluation to process your emotions separately from your child.

 

9. Understand Your Rights and Advocate Appropriately

Knowledge of educational rights significantly impacts outcomes. Parents who understand their legal rights are approximately 60% more likely to receive appropriate services for their children, according to data from the Department of Education.

Key rights to understand:

• Right to request evaluations through public schools

• Right to review all evaluation results

• Right to disagree with findings and seek independent evaluations

• Rights regarding confidentiality of information

• Rights to participate in educational planning

• Appeal rights if you disagree with eligibility decisions

 

In the US, familiarize yourself with laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act as they relate to educational services.

 

10. Plan for Post-Evaluation Support

Regardless of evaluation outcomes, having a support plan is essential. Research indicates that early intervention following evaluations improves outcomes by up to 70% compared to delayed intervention.

Consider establishing:

• A follow-up schedule with the evaluator to discuss findings

• A meeting with school personnel to discuss educational implications

• Connections with parent support groups related to your child's needs

• A system for monitoring and documenting progress

• A list of potential specialists or therapists if recommended

• A method for communicating findings with other important adults in your child's life

 

Remember that evaluation results are not the end point but rather the beginning of a more informed approach to supporting your child's development.

 

Common Evaluation Types: What to Expect

Understanding the type of evaluation your child will undergo helps set appropriate expectations. Here's what commonly happens during different evaluation types:

 

Psychoeducational Evaluations

These typically include:

• Cognitive (IQ) testing

• Academic achievement assessments

• Processing speed evaluations

• Working memory assessments

• Visual-motor integration tasks

 

Developmental Evaluations

These often involve:

• Milestone assessments

• Parent interviews

• Observation of play and interaction

• Language and communication screening

• Motor skills assessment

 

Autism Spectrum Evaluations

These typically include:

• Social communication assessment

• Observation of behaviors and interests

• Sensory processing evaluation

• Developmental history review

• Structured and unstructured interaction tasks

 

ADHD Evaluations

These often involve:

• Attention and concentration testing

• Behavior rating scales

• Executive functioning assessment

• Observation across settings

• Detailed history of attention-related concerns

 

Conclusion

Preparing for your child's evaluation doesn't need to be overwhelming. By gathering documentation, tracking specific behaviors, preparing your child appropriately, timing the evaluation thoughtfully, preparing questions, communicating with teachers, sharing relevant family history, managing your emotions, understanding your rights, and planning for post-evaluation support, you'll be well-positioned to get the most benefit from the process.

Remember that evaluations are designed to help, not to label. They provide valuable insights that can lead to targeted supports and interventions, ultimately helping your child thrive according to their unique profile of strengths and challenges.

Approximately 85% of parents report feeling relief after completing evaluations, according to the Child Mind Institute, as the process provides clarity and direction for supporting their child's needs. With proper preparation, you can maximize the benefits of this important step in your child's developmental journey.