Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects how a person communicates, learns, and interacts with others and the world around them. Because the condition is a spectrum, the severity and combination of symptoms vary widely from person to person. Some individuals with ASD live and work independently, while others require daily support.
For individuals with autism, it can be difficult to maintain consistent employment or perform everyday tasks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does recognize ASD as a disabling condition, so long as someone’s symptoms significantly limit their ability to function. Understanding Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for autism can help families and individuals access critical financial support.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
ASD is a pervasive developmental disorder that falls on a spectrum, meaning not every individual with autism has the same symptoms or level of impairment. However, there are several common symptoms:
- Difficulty understanding or using verbal and nonverbal communication
- Limited eye contact or social engagement
- Repetitive behaviors or strict adherence to routines
- Intense focus on specific interests
- Preference to be alone and not interact with others
- Appearance of aloofness
- Obsessive or repetitive behavior
- Frequent or irrational tantrums
- Sensory challenges, such as over- or under-reacting to sounds, lights, textures, or movement
There is no cure for ASD. Instead, behavioral and therapeutic interventions can remedy or substantially improve specific symptoms. Effective treatment plans often combine these approaches with medication to meet an individual’s unique needs. For example, medication can help reduce:
- Repetitive behavior
- Attention problems
- Anxiety and depression
- Irritiability
- Hyperactivity
- Aggression
Obtaining an Autism Diagnosis
Getting the correct diagnosis for ASD often proves difficult, especially if autistic individuals also have conditions like emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD). Doctors may diagnose one condition but not the other or diagnose the wrong one, which can hamper appropriate treatment.
EBD may also present as problems with social interaction, behavior, and communication; however, autism involves developmental and sensory differences, whereas EBD primarily affects emotional regulation and behavior without the communication or sensory deficits seen in autism. Autism may also include physical health symptoms, such as gastrointestinal problems, but EBD is not tied to these types of health issues. Additionally, serious early childhood milestone delays, lack of speech development, and motor skill impairments are symptomatic of autism, but EBD does not always include early childhood delays.
ASD is most frequently diagnosed in children. It can be detected in adults, but successfully diagnosing it in adults is much more difficult. Many times, the symptoms of ASD overlap with other mental health disorders aside from EBD, such as anxiety or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can be harder to distinguish in adults.
The sooner a treatment plan can be implemented, the better; early intervention often leads to greater improvements in communication, behavior, and daily functioning. Regardless of whether ASD is diagnosed in childhood or adulthood, a correct diagnosis can help an individual identify their strengths, understand past difficulties, and obtain the right kind of help.
Autism and Social Security Benefits: Qualifying Symptoms
If you or a loved one is seeking Social Security for autism, it’s necessary to understand how the SSA evaluates the condition. Not everyone with ASD will qualify for SSDI. Eligibility depends on how severe the symptoms are and how much those symptoms interfere with daily functioning.
When reviewing claims, the SSA looks for medical documentation of autism as well as evidence that symptoms cause marked or extreme limitations in specific areas of life. According to the SSA’s Blue Book Listing, a person may qualify for Social Security benefits if they have:
- Ongoing challenges with communication and social interaction
- Strongly repetitive or narrowly focused behaviors or interests
In addition to these core symptoms, the SSA will evaluate how autism affects major areas of mental functioning, such as:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information
- Interacting with others
- Maintaining focus and completing tasks
- Adapting to changes or managing daily responsibilities
Because autism symptoms often overlap with other conditions, providing thorough, consistent medical evidence is crucial for approval. Many valid claims are denied for incomplete information, so accuracy and detail matter.
Get Help With Your Autism SSDI Claim
Navigating Social Security benefits for autism can be challenging, especially on your own. The application process requires detailed medical evidence, proof of functional limitations, and a clear understanding of the SSA’s criteria.
The legal team at Jeffrey Freedman Attorneys has decades of experience helping individuals with autism and other disabilities obtain the benefits they deserve. We can assist with filing your initial claim, gathering supporting documentation, and handling appeals if your application has been denied.
If you or a loved one is struggling to secure Social Security benefits, contact Jeffrey Freedman Attorneys today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you get the support and stability you deserve.