Reviewed by Dr. Elizabeth Long, Ph.D. — Director of Special Education, 32 years in public schools.
No. Under IDEA, eligibility is based on the school's own evaluation — whether the child has a qualifying disability and needs special education as a result — not on an outside medical diagnosis alone. Under Section 504, a child qualifies if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, again determined through the school's own evaluation process, not a diagnosis by itself.
Dr. Long's Assistant answers your specific questions in plain language — built from Dr. Long's expertise, plus state and federal law read at the source — never the open internet.
Get started →This is educational information, not legal advice. IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, and state rules may differ by situation.
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