You Don’t Have to Wait for a Diagnosis to Ask for Help

If your child is struggling at school — emotionally, behaviorally, or academically — you might be wondering:

- “Do I need a diagnosis before I can ask for support?”

- “Should I wait until they’re officially labeled with something?”

- “What if the teacher just thinks it’s a phase?”

Here’s the truth: you don’t need a diagnosis to ask for help.

And you definitely don’t need one to request a special education evaluation.

The Law Protects Your Right to Ask

Under a rule called Child Find, schools are legally required to evaluate any student who might need special education services — even if they don’t have a diagnosis yet.

All you have to do is request an evaluation in writing.

That’s it.

The school can’t tell you to wait.

They can’t say “we need a doctor’s note first.”

They can’t delay just because you haven’t seen a specialist yet.

But That’s Not What Most Parents Hear

Unfortunately, families in historically marginalized communities — including Black, Brown, immigrant, and low-income households — are often the ones most ignored, delayed, or dismissed when they ask for help.

- “Let’s just monitor it for now.”

- “Boys just develop slower.”

- “They’ll grow out of it.”

- “We can’t test unless there’s a medical diagnosis.”

That’s not just frustrating. It’s wrong.

And it delays kids from getting the support they need.

What You Can Do Right Now

If your gut says something is going on with your child, you can:

- Request a full and individual evaluation from the school

- Do it in writing so timelines are legally triggered

- Use Kaz to help you draft the letter, understand your rights, and follow up

You don’t have to figure out the diagnosis.

You don’t have to explain everything perfectly.

You just have to take the first step — and Kaz can help you do that.

Kaz Is Here to Help

Kaz helps you:

- Learn what an evaluation is

- Understand what the school is (and isn’t) allowed to say

- Write and send the request in your own words

- Get guidance based on your state’s timelines and process

Because waiting for a diagnosis shouldn’t mean waiting for support.

Your child deserves help now.

And you deserve to feel confident asking for it.

Kaz has your back — no diagnosis required.

— Keith