Is This Behavior or Disability? A Parent Decision Tree + Escalation Toolkit for IEP & Evaluation

$19

This product helps parents determine whether a child’s school behavior is a manifestation of disability rather than misconduct.

It provides a clear decision tree based on nervous-system patterns (transitions, sensory load, executive function demands, fatigue), explains when behavior signals disability-related need, and identifies when parents should escalate to request evaluation under IDEA or Section 504.

The product includes escalation thresholds, school pushback interpretation, and copy-paste email templates parents can use to request evaluation, reframe behavior as disability-related, and address discipline that may deny FAPE.

This tool is designed for parents of neurodivergent children (ADHD, autism, anxiety, trauma, PDA, learning disabilities, or suspected disability) and is used to support IEP or 504 evaluation decisions.

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Who This Is For This guide is for parents who are hearing things like: “They’re being defiant.” “We don’t see this at school.” “Let’s try consequences first.” “It’s a behavior issue, not a disability.” …and feel that familiar stomach drop that says: something isn’t right. If your child melts down, shuts down, avoids work, or escalates under pressure—especially at school—this tool helps you translate what you’re seeing into language schools are legally required to recognize.

What This Tool Helps You Do ✔ Distinguish disability-related behavior from misconduct ✔ Identify nervous-system patterns schools often ignore ✔ Know when to stop waiting and request evaluation ✔ Respond confidently to school pushback ✔ Escalate without sounding emotional, defensive, or aggressive This is not a law lecture. It is a decision and action tool.

What’s Included 1. Behavior vs. Disability Decision Tree Pattern-based questions (transitions, fatigue, demand, sensory load) Clear indicators that behavior is disability-linked Myth-busting around “school-only” behaviors 2. Escalation Thresholds Exactly when observation becomes action Signs that discipline is replacing support Clear permission to escalate before harm increases 3. School Pushback Decoder What schools often say—and what it actually means Helps parents stay regulated and grounded when meetings get tense 4. Copy-Paste Escalation Email Templates Early reframe Formal evaluation request Discipline → FAPE escalation Low-energy boundary version for burnout days 5. Documentation Prompt What to jot down before sending emails or attending meetings Enough to support your request—without overwhelming tracking systems 6. Reuse Guide When to pull this tool out again (new teachers, new schools, puberty, reevaluation, discipline cycles)

Size

296 KB

Length

14 pages