Social Security Benefits and Dealing with Autism

Social Security Benefits and Dealing with Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a brain condition characterized by an unusual preoccupation with oneself, resulting in difficulty communicating, inability to interact socially, and inability to imagine. For obvious reasons, adults with autism face challenges when performing work that requires attention or when giving undivided attention for long periods of time.

However, in some cases, people with autism spectrum disorders can adapt to the work environment. This only happens if the person has Asperger's syndrome with high-functioning autism. However, statistically, most adults with autism are unable to work full time or gain employment to live independently. Despite significant attempts by several companies to create an environment in which adults with autism spectrum disorder can work, only about 5% of these people worldwide have been able to find adequate employment.

The cause of autism spectrum disorder is unknown. Early detection is the key to treating autism when it can be treated both therapeutically and medically. A child with autism has a much better chance of living independently in adulthood than an adult.

Fortunately, the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes autism spectrum disorder as a total disability in both adults and children. To receive Social Security benefits as an adult, the individual must demonstrate inability to perform work available to a neurotypical individual with the same level of education and skills.

Autism and physical work

The autism spectrum does not directly affect the ability to perform physical tasks. However, this affects the ability to concentrate and receive instructions on how to perform these tasks. People with a milder form of autism spectrum disorder can overcome the challenges of employment in offices where supervisors are trained to deal with autistic employees. But elsewhere, adults with autism typically cannot engage in appropriate employment.

To be classified as totally disabled by the SSA, a person must have significant and obvious impairment in social functioning, difficulty concentrating and communicating, and cognitive function.

Receiving Social Security benefits as an autistic child does not mean they will continue to receive benefits as an adult. The Social Security Disability Diary (SSD) opens when the autistic child turns 18 years old. It is advisable to have an SSD attorney represent you if the young adult wishes to continue receiving Social Security benefits. There are appeals and trials, and reconsideration is much more than a walk in the park.

Autism and the ability to do sedentary work

In some cases, it is often easier to prove that adults with autism spectrum disorder cannot perform sedentary work. This is because such work typically involves a high level of concentration and interaction with other people. An autistic adult, by definition, usually has great difficulty performing such work.

Adults with autism spectrum disorder may always need legal assistance to apply for SSD benefits, especially if their initial claim is denied and an appeal becomes necessary. Try to hire an SSD attorney who has experience winning SSD claims for autistic adults.

Inspired by Kevin Carter