Children with autism and people with autism spectrum disorders may find it difficult to cope socially and go through vital stages of development. Autism can keep individuals from working and supporting themselves, even in its milder forms. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes conditions like autism as potentially debilitating and may be able to qualify you or your kid for Social Security Disability (SSD) payments under one or both of the SSA’s disability programs. If you want to learn more about companies that offer disability insurance, get in touch with a disability lawyer today.
What is autism?
Language delays, social difficulties, strange behaviors, and maybe intellectual incapacity are all symptoms of autism disorder. After a period of normal growth, children with childhood disintegrative disorder lose their social and communicative abilities. Milder signs of Asperger’s syndrome are associated with intact language and the lack of an intellectual disability. When a kid exhibits autistic behavior but does not fall under one of the other ASD classifications, the term pervasive developmental disorder, often known as atypical autism, is used.
SSD Benefit Programs:
Autism-affected people may be eligible for two SSA disability programs: SSI, which is available to people of any age with impairments and inadequate financial means, and SSDI, which is available to disabled adults with work histories. While children are eligible for SSI, most adults with autism won’t be.
The Blue Book (Sections 12.10 for adults and 112.10 for children) lists autism. Significant challenges in communication, social engagement, and activity participation must be documented by medical proof. Specific criteria, such as cognitive impairments, functional restrictions, social interaction concerns, and difficulties focusing or doing activities, apply differently to children and adults.
What do you need to do?
Gather statements from relevant people and acquire thorough medical records before submitting an application for disability payments for autism. Paystubs, asset statements, and other financial documentation are required for SSI as well. To finish the SSI application procedure, make an appointment at the nearby SSA office.
Final thoughts:
Autism must be diagnosed with quality deficiencies in social interaction and communication, as well as confined and repetitive behaviors, for an individual to be eligible for disability payments. Furthermore, there must be a severe limitation in one or a noticeable impairment in two aspects of mental functioning, such as comprehension, interaction, focus, or adaptability. If you want to learn more, get help from a St. Petersburg disability lawyer.