Assessment denied refers to situations where a request for an educational, psychological, or developmental assessment is declined by the professionals responsible for triaging referrals. This may happen when a child is judged not to meet the service’s eligibility criteria or when available information is considered insufficient to justify an assessment. Because access to publicly funded assessments is often limited, triage decisions can rely heavily on observable behaviours and reported concerns. Children who mask their difficulties, present inconsistently across environments, or do not fit common expectations of certain conditions may be less likely to receive referrals. Some research and advocacy groups have noted that this can disproportionately affect girls and other students whose challenges are less visible in structured settings. When assessments are denied, families may face significant barriers to accessing information, supports, or services, and may need to pursue additional documentation or alternative pathways to obtain an evaluation.