Diagnosis vs. Eligibility: What Every Advocate Needs to Know

Welcome back to Special Education Boss®! In this power-packed training episode from Day 1 of “How to Advocate for Anyone,” Karen Mayer Cunningham unpacks one of the most misunderstood areas in special education: the difference between medical diagnosis and educational need, and why it matters at the IEP table.

Key takeaways: 

• Differentiate between medical, therapeutic, and educational models
• Navigate eligibility categories, comorbidities, and eligibility order
• Decode the true meaning of a 504 vs. an IEP—and why “he’s doing great” isn’t good enough
• Advocate for comprehensive evaluations, including cognitive (all 7 Gs), adaptive, achievement, psychological, and language
• Use your role to tell the child’s full story, not just comply with checkboxes
• Avoid common traps in eligibility and evaluation—and how to ask for Prior Written Notice when needed
• Why “we’re not in the pool” and “we consider it” are red flags—and what to say instead
• How to ensure your advocacy is rooted in excellence, integrity, and long-term outcomes

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or advocate, this episode is a masterclass in IDEA advocacy and strategic decision-making at every stage of the special education process.

“This is why we don’t waffle, waver, or water it down.”

Listen now and equip yourself with the language, mindset, and legal literacy to lead IEP teams and advocate for what every child deserves.

Ready to go deeper? Join The Academy

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

“When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.”
— Karen Mayer Cunningham

Support the show

✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨

👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®
Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.

👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week!
🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources
🔗 Learn more at The Academy

📬 Have a question? Email us at [e-mail]

📱 Follow Karen on:

• TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss
• YouTube: Special Education Academy

🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?
Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence.

📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl
(As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)

...