Table of Contents
Direct Parent Request
Early Intervention Transition
Professional Referrals
Seven Essential Elements
Letter Template You Can Use
Finding Your CPSE Office
How to Request a Special Education Evaluation in NYC: Your Step-by-Step Guide
For the first year of his life, our son didn't speak. But he was making eye contact, unlike our niece and nephew, who were autistic. I joked with my wife that there was a genetic predisposition to monasticism in the family. So maybe that explained it.
Then someone remarked that he didn't respond to his name being called. Then, after he started walking, I noticed something amiss. He descended the stairs one day and positioned his feet in a certain way that caused him to stumble and fall. The next day he did the same thing, and fell again. I wondered, could he have a learning disability?
We began seeking out evaluation services. We googled "how to get my child evaluated NYC" and found a bunch of expired links. I didn't know then that when the psychologist would ask if my child could brush their teeth 'independently,' saying yes because she held the toothbrush herself would almost cost us services.
As Dr. Michelle Gorenstein explained in a recent webinar, "When they ask about independent skills, they mean zero support. Not standing nearby, not verbal prompts, not laying out the toothbrush. Zero."
No one told me that. Just like no one told me the evaluation would expire in three years, or that I'd need different evaluations for different services, or that early intervention's evaluation wouldn't transfer to preschool.
Now I know. Let me show you.
The Expert Behind This Guide
Dr. Michelle Gorenstein is a clinical psychologist at the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain at Weill Cornell Medicine. She previously served as Director of Outreach at the Seaver Autism Center at Mount Sinai. With 15 years of experience inside NYC's special education system — first as a school psychologist conducting these exact evaluations, then training other evaluators, now running a practice that helps families navigate the process.
"You're not failing to understand a logical system. You're successfully navigating an illogical one. Give yourself credit for that."
Red Flags the System Ignores (But You Shouldn't)
Parents often second-guess their concerns. Here's your permission to trust your gut:
Communication Red Flags:
Not responding to their name by 12 months
Losing words they used to say
Using fewer than 50 words by age 2
Not combining two words by 2.5 years
Social Red Flags:
Limited eye contact (beyond typical toddler distraction)
Not pointing to show you things
Parallel play only, never interactive, past age 2.5
Extreme reactions to routine changes
Physical/Sensory Red Flags:
Toe-walking past age 2
Extreme responses to textures, sounds, or lights
Significantly behind on milestones like walking
Repetitive movements that interfere with play
The official guides list diagnostic criteria. Parents need real-world examples. If your gut says something's off, that's enough to request an evaluation.
Timelines That Matter
From the NYC DOE guide [4]:
If your child was born January 1 - June 30:
Services can start January 2 of the year they turn 3
If your child was born July 1 - December 31:
Services can start July 1 of the year they turn 3
The catch nobody mentions: These are the EARLIEST start dates. The evaluation process takes months. A December baby referred in November might not get services until they're almost 4.
Count backwards. If your July baby needs services by their 3rd birthday in July, start the referral process in February. Earlier if you can.
Who Qualifies for Evaluation
For Preschool (CPSE - Ages 3-5):
Will be 3 years old by December 31st of the current school year
Live in NYC
May have a disability affecting their learning
For School Age (CSE - Ages 5-21):
Any NYC resident of school age
Attending public, private, charter, or being homeschooled
Suspected of having a disability that impacts learning
The detail everyone misses: You do NOT need a diagnosis first. The evaluation determines if there's a disability. Too many parents wait for a diagnosis that should come FROM the evaluation, not before it.
The Three Age-Based Systems (And Why It Matters)
Here's where it gets complicated - and where Dr. Gorenstein-Holtzman's clarity becomes invaluable:
Early Intervention (0-3):
These evaluations are great for getting services started, but here's what they don't tell you - they won't count when your child turns three. CPSE will do their own evaluations.
CPSE (3-5) - Committee on Preschool Special Education:
11 locations across NYC (see contact list below)
Must evaluate before age 3 if transitioning from EI
Their evaluations expire when your child enters kindergarten
CSE (5-21) - Committee on Special Education:
The CSE uses different criteria than CPSE. A child who qualified for services at 4 might not qualify at 5, not because they've improved, but because the standards changed.
Who Can Request an Evaluation
From the official NYC DOE Guide [4], you can request if you're:
Parents/guardians (that's you - and yes, you have this right)
School district personnel
Licensed physicians
Judicial officers
Professional staff from approved agencies
Important note: You don't need anyone's permission to request an evaluation. You don't need the teacher to agree. You don't need to wait for the school to suggest it. You can request it today.
The Four-Step Process (What Actually Happens)
The DOE shows this as a neat diagram. Here's the reality:
Step 1: Referral → Your letter starts a legal clock
Step 2: Evaluation → Multiple appointments, multiple evaluators
Step 3: CPSE/CSE Meeting → Where decisions get made
Step 4: Services → If approved, when they actually start
The "Worst Day" Rule - Your Most Important Strategy
Dr. Gorenstein-Holtzman's most crucial advice from the webinar deserves special attention:
"When we're talking about our child, we want to talk about what supports they need on their worst day. You can highlight when you're doing the interview, all the amazing things that your child can do or is learning to do. But when it comes to accessing services, having a diagnosis does not qualify you for services through OPWDD, you need to have a diagnosis and show that that diagnosis is leading to impaired daily living skills."
Always describe your child on their worst day, not their best. This isn't being negative - it's being accurate about their support needs.
Real example from the webinar:
Parent says: "Yes, she brushes her teeth independently" (thinking: she holds the brush)
What evaluator hears: No support needed for dental hygiene
What parent meant: She holds the brush while I apply toothpaste, guide her hand, remind her to spit, etc.
Result: Lost eligibility for adaptive behavior supports
The Evaluation Alphabet Soup - Decoded
Dr. Gorenstein broke down what parents actually need to know about different types of evaluations:
Psychological Evaluation:
IQ testing, adaptive behavior, maybe some autism screening. Valid for 3 years. Keep watching that expiration date.
Psychoeducational Evaluation:
Schools love these because they focus on academics. But for a 3-year-old, academics aren't the issue. Push for psychological instead.
Neuropsychological Evaluation:
As Dr. Gorenstein explains: "We're talking typically, they're eight to 12 hours of testing with the child.” And regarding insurance: "Lots of insurance companies do not cover neuropsychological evaluations. Some might cover it, but most families pay $3,000-5,000 out of pocket. Worth it if you can afford it, especially for complex cases."
The OPWDD Requirements (Critical for Some Families):
"You do not need formal autism testing for an autism diagnosis. You do need formal autism testing to apply for OPWDD. So I think that's an important clarification... OPWDD requires ADOS, ADI, CARS as a measure to document autism."
The Insurance Reality Nobody Talks About
From Dr. Gorenstein:
"We have seen a few insurance companies within the tri state area actually request an ADOS in order to approve ABA for a child with autism. Do I agree with that? Absolutely not. I think if a developmental pediatrician diagnosed a child with autism, they should be able to access treatment, but we are seeing that as a trend."
Another crucial point: "Is there a practical advantage to an autism diagnosis compared to some other diagnosis in terms of what services will be provided?"
Dr. Gorenstein’s answer: "I would love the answer to be No, but that's just not reality... Having an autism diagnosis can be really helpful if your child has autism. Things like ABA, especially if you're going through insurance."
The Letter That Changes Everything: Your Initial Referral
This is where most parents get stuck. The DOE says "write a letter." But what exactly should it say?
The Seven Must-Haves for Your Letter [4]:
"I am requesting a preschool special education evaluation" — Use these exact words
Your child's full legal name and date of birth
Your specific concerns — Be detailed but you don't need medical terminology
Any services your child currently receives — Include EI, private therapy, etc.
Your contact information — Include phone, email, and address where you receive mail
Your preferred language if not English
The date — This starts your timeline
Script You Can Copy:
Dear CPSE Coordinator,
I am requesting a preschool special education evaluation for my child, [Full Legal Name], born [Date of Birth].
I have concerns about my child's [development/speech/behavior/other]. Specifically, [describe what you're seeing].
[If applicable: My child currently receives [EI services/speech therapy/other services].]
Please send the evaluation packet to:
[Your Full Name]
[Complete Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
My preferred language is [English/Spanish/Other].
I look forward to your response within 10 school days as required.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Date]
Where to Send Your Letter: CPSE/CSE Contact Information
Find your CPSE/CSE based on your school district. Not sure which district? Go to NYC's Geographic Online Address Translator (GOAT), click FUNCTION 1B, enter your address, and look for "School District."
CPSE/CSE Directory:
CSE 1 (Districts 7, 9, 10)
Email: [email protected] (For private school: [email protected])
Address: 1 Fordham Plaza, 7th Floor, Bronx, NY 10458
Phone: 718-329-8000
[Continue with all CSE locations as in previous version]
What's Actually in the Referral Packet (And What Each Document Means)
The CPSE will mail you a packet within 10 school days [4]. Here's what's actually in it:
Notice of Receipt - Why it matters: This starts your legal timeline. Screenshot it, save it, print it.
List of Approved Evaluation Sites - Reality check: "Approved" doesn't mean "has openings." Start calling immediately.
Consent for Initial Evaluation Form - Translation: Your permission for strangers to test your child. Sign and return ASAP.
Child and Adolescent Health Examination Form - The catch: Your pediatrician needs to complete this. Book that appointment now.
Information About Your Rights - What they don't emphasize: You have the right to disagree with their findings.
Copy of the Family Guide - Irony: You're reading this because that guide wasn't enough.
Information About Inclusive Preschool Options - Reality: "Options" doesn't mean "available seats."
Warning: If you don't receive this packet within two weeks, call immediately. The system loses things.
Real Questions from NYC Parents
When my wife and I were in the early stages of getting our son evaluated, we had questions, butwe also didn’t know enough to ask the right questions.
"My oldest has autism. I'm noticing my 11-month-old baby doing similar things. When should I test?"
Dr. Gorenstein: "If you're starting to see concerns and your child's 11 months old, I would definitely start getting evaluation through early intervention... In our clinic, we see kids as young as 12 months old."
"What's the difference between neurological and neuropsychological evaluations?"
Dr. Gorenstein: "A neurological evaluation is a meeting with a neurologist. It is a medical appointment that should be covered by insurance... Lots of insurance companies do not cover neuropsychological evaluations."
"My child lost OPWDD services because the evaluator used 'Asperger Syndrome' instead of autism. What are my options?"
Dr. Gorenstein: "I'm sorry that happened to you... If your child did have the ADOS or the CARS and they showed up positive on that screening, that should be sufficient. You might at this point, if it's been over a year, you might also just want to get an updated evaluation and then submit the paperwork again."
The Common Mistakes Parents Make
Waiting for permission — You don't need anyone's approval to request an evaluation
Not keeping copies — Document everything. The system loses things.
Missing the 10-day deadline — If no packet arrives, call on day 11
Thinking "approved site" means "available" — Start calling immediately
Not knowing their rights — You can disagree, appeal, and get independent evaluations
Take Action Today
Write your letter — Use the script above
Remember the "worst day" rule — Be accurate about support needs
Find your CPSE/CSE — Use the contact list above
Send it three ways — Email, fax, and certified mail
Mark your calendar — Note when 10 school days have passed
Keep copies — Start your paper trail now
The System Is the Problem (But Here's How to Navigate It)
The system is overwhelmed. It's understaffed, underfunded, and complicated by design. But your child has rights. This letter starts the legal process that forces the system to respond.
This connects to a larger truth about special education in America. Federal IDEA funding was promised at 40% and delivers roughly 15%. Local districts backfill the gap. Programs get cut. Parents blame each other instead of looking up.
Your child's education shouldn't depend on whether you can decode bureaucracy while worrying about their future. But until the system changes, parent knowledge is power.
Start with the letter. Describe the worst day. Document everything. The light switches on from there.
Before You Go: 8 Key Evaluation & OPWDD Facts NYC Parents Need to Know in 2026
These critical insights could save you months of delays and denied services. Bookmark this page or save it for reference.
1. “Asperger’s” Is No Longer a Valid Diagnosis on Paper
Since 2013, under the current diagnostic manual (DSM‑5):
There is no separate Asperger’s diagnosis anymore.
Everything is under Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Why this matters:
One family in the Q&A lost OPWDD eligibility because the evaluator wrote “Asperger Syndrome” instead of autism.
OPWDD treated that as not meeting the autism requirement.
What to do:
Check your child’s reports. If you see Asperger’s:
Ask the clinician to update the written diagnosis to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Do this before you submit anything to OPWDD or other state agencies.
2. For OPWDD, a Doctor Saying “Autism” Is Not Enough
In NYC and New York State, a simple letter that says “autism” usually isn’t enough for OPWDD (the state office that funds long‑term disability supports).
OPWDD typically wants:
Formal autism testing, such as:
ADOS, CARS, ADI‑R, or another test OPWDD lists as acceptable
Standardized IQ testing (cognitive / intelligence testing)
Adaptive functioning testing (daily living skills), e.g.:
Vineland or ABAS
Proof that challenges began before age 22 (old school reports, pediatric notes, early evals)
Your child can have a completely valid autism diagnosis from a:
Developmental pediatrician
Psychologist
Psychiatrist
Neurologist
…but OPWDD still wants this extra testing documentation.
Takeaway:
When you’re doing early evaluations, ask the provider:
“Can you do testing that will also meet OPWDD requirements later?”
3. Some Insurers Now Want ADOS Scores for ABA
An emerging trend Dr. Gorenstein sees in the NYC/tristate area:
Some insurance companies are starting to require:
An autism diagnosis, and
Results from ADOS (a specific standardized autism assessment),
Before they will approve ABA therapy.
This is not yet universal, but it’s happening enough to matter.
What this means for you:
If you think you might want ABA:
Ask your evaluator:
“Can you include ADOS (or another formal autism tool) so we won’t be blocked by insurance later?”
Having that in the record early can prevent delays and extra appointments.
4. Adaptive Functioning Scores Can Quietly Block OPWDD
OPWDD does not approve someone just because they have autism.
They also look very closely at adaptive functioning (daily living skills), measured by tools like Vineland or ABAS. These ask questions like:
Can your child dress, bathe, brush teeth, use the toilet, cross the street safely, manage money, etc.?
Here’s the catch:
Many parents say “Yes, my child brushes their teeth”
– but in reality:The parent sets everything up,
Gives verbal or visual prompts,
Stands nearby to supervise.
If you describe the end result (“they brushed”) but not the support needed, the scores can look too high, and OPWDD may decide your child is “too independent” to qualify.
How to answer more accurately:
When you complete these questionnaires or interviews, think about:
Your child’s worst or most challenging days, and
How much prompting, supervision, and setup you actually provide.
This isn’t exaggerating—it’s making the invisible support visible.
5. You Usually Don’t Need a Full Neuropsych for an Autism Diagnosis
NYC families are often told they need a full neuropsychological evaluation (8–12 hours of testing, often very expensive) to:
Get an autism diagnosis, or
Access services.
Dr. Gorenstein was clear:
To answer the question “Does my child have autism?” you typically do not need a full neuropsych.
A focused diagnostic evaluation is usually enough:
Detailed parent interview +
Autism-specific tools (e.g., ADOS, CARS) +
Clinical judgment.
A full neuropsych is most useful when:
There are complex learning or attention concerns,
Questions about memory, or
A long, confusing psychiatric history.
Questions to ask providers:
“Are you recommending a full neuropsych because you need that level of detail,
or would a shorter, focused diagnostic evaluation answer our current question?”
6. Genetic Testing Is Now a Standard Recommendation After an Autism Diagnosis
Dr. Gorenstein noted that:
For children who receive an autism diagnosis, the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends offering genetic testing.
Why this matters:
Genetic testing does not change who your child is.
But it can:
Sometimes identify an underlying genetic condition,
Help clarify medical risks,
Inform future pregnancies and sibling risk.
What to do:
If your child has been diagnosed with autism and:
No one has mentioned genetic testing, you can ask your pediatrician or developmental specialist:
“Should we be doing genetic testing as part of our workup?”
7. Early and Repeated Evaluations Build the “Paper Trail” NYC Systems Expect
In NYC, different systems touch your child over time:
Early Intervention (EI) – birth to 3
CPSE (Committee on Preschool Special Education) – ages 3–5
CSE (school‑age special education) – 5–21
OPWDD / adult services – late teens and beyond
All of them use evaluations to make decisions. For OPWDD especially, you must show:
The disability and support needs were present before age 22.
Dr. Gorenstein’s advice:
Start evaluations early, even if you’re not yet thinking about OPWDD.
Keep everything:
Evaluation reports
IEPs
School/therapy progress notes
Many documents expire for eligibility purposes:
Psychological evaluations can usually only be a few years old.
Psychosocial evaluations often must be less than 1 year old when you apply.
Practical tip:
Make a binder or a digital folder:
One section for EI/CPSE/CSE evals,
One for medical and neurology,
One for OPWDD/NYC supports.
8. Levels 1, 2, and 3 Are Not Life Sentences
Under DSM‑5, autism diagnoses can include a support level:
Level 1 – requiring support
Level 2 – requiring substantial support
Level 3 – requiring very substantial support
Important points for parents:
These levels:
Can be assigned even in very young children (e.g., age 2),
Are meant to describe current support needs,
Can change over time with development and intervention.
Not all clinicians use them consistently, but if you see them, remember:
They are a snapshot, not a permanent prediction of your child’s future.
Script You Can Copy:
Dear CPSE Coordinator,
I am requesting a preschool special education evaluation for my child, [Full Legal Name], born [Date of Birth].
I have concerns about my child's [development/speech/behavior/other]. Specifically, [describe what you're seeing].
[If applicable: My child currently receives [EI services/speech therapy/other services].]
Please send the evaluation packet to:
[Your Full Name]
[Complete Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email]
My preferred language is [English/Spanish/Other].
I look forward to your response within 10 school days as required.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Date]
💡 Dr. Gorenstein's Pro Tip: "That's it. Keep it simple. Don't over-explain. The law is on your side - you just have to ask."
FAQs about preschoolers and ASD
Q1: Where do social workers fit in within assessment and diagnosis?
Dr. Gorenstein: "Typically, for lots of the standardized assessments, IQ testing, neuropsych testing, it's typically done by a psychologist. There are school psychologists that don't have doctorates that are able to do the testing in school domains... Social workers often do the psychosocial evaluation, especially in clinics like ADAPT or AHRC. Social workers can get trained on the ADOS, though, and depending on states, some states allow social workers to make clinical diagnoses."
Q2: My child lost services through OPWDD because the evaluator used 'Asperger Syndrome' instead of autism. What are my options?
Dr. Gorenstein: "I'm sorry that happened to you... If your child did have the ADOS or the CARS and they showed up positive on that screening, that should be sufficient. You might at this point, if it's been over a year, you might also just want to get an updated evaluation and then submit the paperwork again. So I guess my two things would be to try to appeal to OPWDD, which you have the right as a parent, and while you're doing that, you can also try to get an updated evaluation."
Q3: What can I do if functional behavior assessments return with 'inconclusive' results?
Dr. Gorenstein: "An FBA is basically... somebody typically going into the classroom to figure out what the function of a behavior is. If they're saying it's inconclusive, they're saying we have not been able to understand the function of the behavior. And again, if there are behavior concerns as a parent, you can continue to say, 'Well, can we continue to do these to try to understand what's going on in the school setting.'"
Q4: What is a neurological evaluation for cognitive testing? I heard neurological evaluations are not covered through health insurance.
Dr. Gorenstein: "I believe what you're referring to is neuropsychological. A neurological evaluation is a meeting with a neurologist. It is a medical appointment that should be covered by insurance. Lots of insurance companies do not cover neuropsychological evaluations—that’s eight to 12 hours of testing... and oftentimes they are not needed."
Q5: Do people need formal autism testing to apply for OPWDD eligibility or just an autism diagnosis?
Dr. Gorenstein: "You do not need formal autism testing for an autism diagnosis. You do need formal autism testing to apply for OPWDD. So I think that's an important clarification. OPWDD requires ADOS, ADI, CARS as a measure to document autism. But if you're not looking to apply for OPWDD and your neurologist or developmental pediatrician gave your child a diagnosis, that is a valid diagnosis."
Q6: Is there a practical advantage to an autism diagnosis compared to some other diagnosis in terms of services?
Dr. Gorenstein: "I would love the answer to be No, but that's just not reality. So in theory, early intervention and CPSE should be determining services based on specific delays, right? Having an autism diagnosis can be really helpful if your child has autism. Things like ABA, especially if you're going through insurance - there are some insurance companies that do require an autism diagnosis in order to get ABA."
Q7: My oldest has autism and I'm noticing my 11-month-old doing similar things. When should I test?
Dr. Gorenstein: "If you're starting to see concerns and your child's 11 months old, I would definitely start getting evaluation through early intervention, because whether or not your child has autism, if they're having any delays and they qualify for services, we know that intervening at an early age is better for outcome. In our clinic, we see kids as young as 12 months old."
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