Disability for Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder: How It Can Impact an Individual’s Life?

Autism is a serious, lifelong developmental disability that can lead to various challenges in one’s life. The condition often results in impaired social behavior and skills. It may even lead to repetitive behaviors and can affect an individual’s life negatively. Disability benefits may be awarded to individuals whose condition is severe. 

In severe cases, an individual may experience a delay in certain stages of cognitive development, such as speech and social interaction. According to official data gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every 59 children is diagnosed with the condition and suffers because of it. The situation is more common in boys than it is in girls. 

Symptoms of Autism may vary from person to person and may even progress with time. The characteristics of the condition can be divided into these two main categories: 

1. Social and Communication-Related Problems – The first category is related to social and communication-related issues wherein an individual may experience challenges in maintaining and managing social relationships. An individual diagnosed with the condition may find it difficult to socialize with others. They may face problems in understanding and maintaining relationships with different people. 
2. Repetitive behavior problem – The other common symptom that an individual may exhibit is restricted and repetitive behavior. They may have nonconforming speech patterns or engage in playful activity. The condition may even affect the interest, participation, or enthusiasm demonstrated by the child. 

If you believe your child is exhibiting the signs and symptoms of autism disorder, you should seek medical attention. You may also want to submit an application for Social Security Benefits For Children. Consult with a medical professional to understand the child’s developmental issues. Here are some of the critical signs associated with these conditions: 

• The child is not responding to their name by 12 months of age 
• The child is not showing interest in any activity by 14 months 
• The child is avoiding eye contact and prefers to stay alone
• Minor changes in daily routine are affecting the child’s behavior
• The child is exhibiting unusual and intense reactions to normal stimuli
• The child uses exaggerated hand gestures or bodily movements 

Diagnosing the condition at an early stage will help in the development of the child. When left untreated, however, the situation may become worse and lead to negative consequences. If you are dealing with economic hardship while trying to care for your child, you should consider applying for disability benefits. Your child may be approved even if they are over the age of 18 in some circumstances. 

Applying for Disability for Autistic Child Under the Age of 18

If your child is under 18 years old, they may be approved for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Your child may also qualify if they are under age 22 and a student regularly attending school. To get approved for benefits, your income and resources must be limited. The income and assets of the parents or the guardian will be considered when determining eligibility. 

When you have limited income, your chances of being approved for benefits improve. There are two ways that your child can receive benefits for disability Conditions under this program. 

1. By meeting the disability criteria
2. By functionally equalling the listing 

Meeting the Disability Criteria 

Autism has been considered as a disability in listing 112.10 of the Blue Book Listing of Impairments. The listing has specific medical requirements that a child must meet to be approved for disability benefits. The SSA will consider limitations exhibited by the child in the following areas: 

• Ability to interact socially
• Ability to communicate verbally and non-verbally
• Restricted and repetitive patterns and behaviors 

In addition to these criteria, the SSA will also consider how the condition limits the child’s ability to live and function effectively in normal social settings. If the child is between the age of 6 and 12 years, the SSA will also consider the child’s school records. They will review the school records to understand how disabling and limiting the condition is. Your child must also experience extreme limitations or marked limitations in any of the following areas: 

• Ability to understand, remember, and use new information
• Ability to cooperate and interact with others socially
• Ability to focus and manage self
• Ability to control behavior and manage emotions 

If your child meets the criteria mentioned above, they will automatically be approved. However, when your child does not meet the eligibility criteria above, you may alternatively obtain benefits by meeting the criteria of a second method. 

Functionally equalling the listings is an alternative method to consider if the child does not meet the listing and limitations. The SSA will assess how well a child can interact, acquire information, complete tasks, move, and take care of themselves. The child must experience severe limitations in two of the areas. You can complete the child disability report to begin the process and apply for Social Security benefits. 

A Disability Lawyers in Philadelphia will stand by your side and help throughout the process of seeking disability benefits for Autism. Due to our rich experience, he can tell you the right steps to be taken at each stage of the process and can speak to people on your behalf. With a lawyer’s assistance, this journey will become hassle-free.