Autism and Social Security Disability
Autism is a type of developmental disorder that many children have. It often negatively impacts the child’s ability to communicate with peers, understand appropriate social cues, or interact in a way that is deemed typical or appropriate for a child within the same age group. The autism spectrum is broad.
Some people have more severe cases where they are non-verbal and unable to properly communicate with others around them, while others have high-functioning cases where they can do most things. When someone has autism, they may want to apply for Social Security Disability. Autism is considered a disability because of the different ways that it can impact a child or even an adult with the condition.
Understanding Autism
The developmental disorder is often diagnosed in young children after they are unable to meet certain age-appropriate milestones. Early signs and symptoms of the condition include:
- Trouble talking and problems with speech
- Difficulty with making friends
- Low muscle tone
- Trouble understanding jokes
- Behavioral issues that are out of the ordinary for children within the same age range
- Failure to make eye contact at a young age
While these are some signs and symptoms of the developmental condition, different people will display different types of behaviors when they are autistic. It all depends on where they are on the spectrum. Those with high functioning autism can often communicate and complete different age-appropriate tasks, but they may still struggle when socializing with their peers because they may take everything personally and literally.
There are a few different types of autism that someone may be diagnosed with. These include:
- Classic Autism. The child displays the most common symptoms of autism, including a lack of social interaction with others, difficulty using his or her imagination, and repeating certain behaviors.
- Asperger’s Syndrome. Those with Asperger’s Syndrome often function better but may still be socially awkward. They tend to have more trouble with socialization than anything.
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Those diagnosed with this form of autism will often display different types of developmental delays. The individual may struggle with speech and activities that involve using fine motor skills.
Those with autism will often need different forms of therapy to receive to manage the symptoms of the condition in a way that is more effective. Some of the therapies offered to those with autism include:
- Speech and language therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Sensory therapy
Meeting with therapists can help the individual work on pronouncing different words and phrases, using the hands to complete different tasks, and work on understanding the differences appropriate and inappropriate behavior. When therapy is started at an early age, children tend to benefit from it the most.
Can Someone with Autism Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?
If an individual does receive an autism diagnosis, it is possible for them to receive Social Security Disability benefits. However, they must prove that the condition does affect them in different ways. Before applying for the benefits, the individual must first have a diagnosis from a medical professional. Someone with autism should follow through with the different types of therapies that are offered. It is the responsibility of the parent to make sure the child is receiving therapy that can help the child with countless things, including socialization, behavior, and speech.
When applying for Social Security Disability benefits for autism, it is important for an individual to do the following:
- Complete the application with honest information. If it is a child with autism, the parents of that child must complete the application with truthful answers.
- Regularly visit with physicians who can provide statements in support of the patient with autism.
- Meet with an attorney who will go over the details of the lengthy process and provide help along the way.
It is normal for applicants to receive denials at first, especially when they complete the application without evidence to support their claims and without help from an attorney.
Do You or a Loved One Have Autism? Apply for Social Security Disability with Dansby Law
If you have been diagnosed with autism or if your child has been diagnosed with the developmental condition, you may want to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. It is possible to get approved for these benefits after receiving an autism diagnosis, but you do need to understand the application process. At the Dansby Law Firm, we want to help you apply for the benefits you need for yourself or your child. Call us toll-free at 1-877-834-7001 today for your free consultation.
