Understanding Educational and Medical Diagnoses of Autism in Maryland and DC: A Parent's Guide
- Dr. Kendra Michael
- Jan 6
- 4 min read
Navigating the world of autism diagnosis can be overwhelming for parents, especially when it comes to understanding the difference between educational and medical diagnoses. These two types of diagnoses serve different purposes and come from different professionals, but both play important roles in supporting your child’s development and success in school.
What Is an Educational Diagnosis of Autism?
An educational diagnosis of autism helps determine if a child can receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This assessment looks at how autism influences the child's learning and behavior in school. It plays an important role in helping schools create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that is specially designed to support the child's unique needs. With the right support, every child can thrive!
Who Can Provide an Educational Diagnosis?
In Maryland and DC, the educational diagnosis is typically made by a multidisciplinary team within the school system. This team may include:
School psychologists
Special education teachers
Speech-language pathologists
Occupational therapists
Other specialists involved in the child’s education
If you have concerns that your child may be on the autism spectrum, you can reach out to their school for an evaluation. The school must conduct the evaluation at no cost and within a reasonable timeframe. The team uses observations, standardized tests, and input from parents and teachers to determine eligibility for special education services.
What Does the Educational Diagnosis Mean for Your Child?
An educational diagnosis means the school evaluation team has identified a disability category under special education law. However, this does not automatically mean your child will receive an IEP. After a diagnosis is identified, the team still must determine whether your child needs specialized instruction in order to make progress in school. Some students may have a diagnosis but are able to succeed with general education supports or accommodations alone.
Depending on the team’s decision, supports may include:
Speech therapy
Social skills training
Behavioral interventions
Classroom accommodations like extra time or a quiet space
The goal of an educational diagnosis is to understand how your child learns in the school setting. Eligibility for an IEP is a separate decision made by the team and is based on educational impact, not diagnosis alone. This diagnosis does not provide a medical label but focuses on educational needs.
What Is a Medical Diagnosis of Autism?
A medical diagnosis of autism is made by a licensed healthcare professional based on clinical criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This diagnosis identifies autism as a neurodevelopmental condition and may include information about co-occurring medical or mental health issues.
Who Can Provide a Medical Diagnosis?
In Maryland and DC, medical diagnoses of autism are made by:
Developmental pediatricians
Child neurologists
Child psychiatrists
Licensed clinical psychologists with expertise in autism
These professionals conduct comprehensive evaluations that include medical history, developmental assessments, and standardized diagnostic tools. A medical diagnosis is often necessary for accessing certain therapies, insurance coverage, and medical services.
What Does the Medical Diagnosis Mean for Your Child?
A medical diagnosis confirms the presence of autism and helps guide treatment plans beyond the school setting. It can open doors to:
Early intervention programs
Medical therapies
Mental health support
Community resources
This diagnosis also helps families understand their child’s strengths and challenges from a clinical perspective.
How Do Educational and Medical Diagnoses Work Together?
Both diagnoses serve important but different roles. The medical diagnosis provides a clinical understanding of autism, while the educational diagnosis focuses on how autism affects learning and behavior in school. Having both can ensure your child receives comprehensive support. For example, a child with a medical diagnosis of autism may use that information to request an educational evaluation. Conversely, an educational diagnosis can help identify specific learning needs that medical professionals might address through therapy.
Steps for Parents:
Observe and Document: Keep notes on your child’s behavior, communication, and learning challenges.
Request an Educational Evaluation: Contact your child’s school to ask for a special education evaluation if you suspect autism.
Seek a Medical Evaluation : Consult your pediatrician for a referral to a specialist for a medical diagnosis.
Use Both Diagnoses to Advocate: Share medical and educational reports with schools and service providers to build a strong support plan.
Stay Informed About Rights and Services : Learn about IDEA, Section 504 plans, and local resources in Maryland and DC.
Resources for Families in Maryland and DC
Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program
DC Early Stages Program
Local autism support groups and advocacy organizations
Maryland State Department of Education Special Education Services
DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education
These resources can help families navigate evaluations, services, and legal rights.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
Autism Society of America. (n.d.). Screening and diagnosis. https://autismsociety.org/screening-diagnosis/
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute. (n.d.). Medical diagnosis vs. educational eligibility for special services: Important distinctions for those caring for individuals with autism. https://www.research.chop.edu/car-autism-roadmap/medical-diagnosis-vs-educational-eligibility-for-special-services-important-distinctions-for-those
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq. (2004). https://sites.ed.gov/idea/
U.S. Department of Education. (2017). A guide to the individualized education program. https://www2.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iepguide/index.html
Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center. (2025). Medical diagnosis vs. educational eligibility. https://www.ecac-parentcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/Medical-vs-Educational-2025.pdf
Delaware Autism Network. (2017). Understanding autism diagnosis and educational classification. https://www.delawareautismnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ASD-Class-Diagnosis-Brochure-ENGLISH-11.28.17.pdf
