Autism

Autism is a serious developmental disorder that can affect an individual’s motor skills, social skills, cognitive abilities, and communication abilities. The Social Security Administration recognizes the debilitating effects of autism by including this disease on its list of disabilities that qualify for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) benefits program.

If a member of your family has been diagnosed with autism, you can request benefits to help make ends meet. In order to be approved for benefits, however, you must provide clear proof of the specific health problems that prevent your loved one from working.

Disabling Effects of Autism

Autism is just one type of condition on the vast autism spectrum. Autism sufferers may exhibit mild to severe mental retardation, or extremely high levels of intelligence, depending on the individual. Although some autistic people are highly functioning, most people with autism need some type of medical or life skills assistance on a regular basis.

Autistic patients may display a combination of the following symptoms:

  • Unresponsiveness
  • Behavioral problems
  • Social withdrawal
  • Indifference/apathy
  • Lack of eye contact
  • Lack of empathy
  • Lack of interest
  • Speech problems
  • Inability to interpret or exhibit nonverbal communication
  • Problems interacting or forming relationships
  • Speech repetition
  • Obsessive behaviors
  • Anxiety
  • Increased risk of seizure disorder
  • Resistance to change
  • Repetitive movements like rocking

Thoroughly documenting all of the symptoms is crucial for achieving SSD benefits. Make sure your medical professionals clearly state how these symptoms inhibit everyday activities on the medical records you will provide with your SSD application.

Hiring an Attorney to Prove Autism Disability

Before applying for benefits, you may want to consider hiring a skilled lawyer to help you create a solid argument for disability. Experienced SSD attorneys have spent many years working with the Social Security Administration to get benefits approved for their clients. They have a unique understanding of the process and can provide valuable insight to help you get the funds you need to avoid financial devastation. Your attorney can also show you how to apply for SSD benefits and make sure you have all the paperwork necessary to meet the Administration’s disability requirements.

To improve your chances of getting approved for disability benefits due to autism, find an SSD attorney near you.