Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people learn, communicate, and interact with others. Generally appearing before the age of three, it is a lifelong condition that occurs across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in every 44 children are estimated to have ASD, and boys are more than 4 times as likely as girls to be diagnosed with the disorder.
As its name suggests, a diagnosis of ASD falls on a “spectrum,” meaning that it encompasses a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be severe enough to prevent a person from living independently or earning a living. For this reason, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes ASD as a potentially disabling mental disorder for adults and children, both of whom may be eligible for disability benefits.
Like most mental disorders, SSA requires applicants impacted by ASD to show both a diagnosis from an acceptable medical source, such as medical doctor, as well as “extreme” or “marked” impairment in their mental functional abilities. Specifically, SSA requires both adult and child applicants to demonstrate:
- Medical documentation of both of the following:
- Qualitative deficits in verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and social interaction; and
- Significantly restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.
AND
- Extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning:
- Understand, remember, or apply information.
- Interact with others.
- Concentrate, persist, or maintain pace.
- Adapt or manage oneself.
Because of the nature of ASD, disability benefits are often (though not always) granted through the Social Security Income (SSI) program, which provides cash payments to eligible people who have very limited income and little or no work history. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available only to qualifying people who have worked. Since ASD does not worsen over time, it is unlikely that an adult would find themselves unable to work after meeting the work history requirements for SSDI.
Importantly, SSI is available to minors, as well as to adults. This means that children or teenagers who meet the SSA requirements listed above, may be able to receive SSI if their parents, guardians, or caregivers have limited financial resources.
For more information on the application process for SSA disability benefits for ASD, please contact Match Disability Law.
