Living with autism can mean the world is a confusing and stressful place at times. In some cases, you may find that the condition affects your ability to work. If so, you may feel anxious and uncertain about your options.
However, depending on how significantly ASD affects your life, you may qualify for disability benefits.
Can ASD qualify me for disability benefits?
The Social Security Administration recognizes ASD in children. However, the administration doesn’t have a specific listing for ASD in adults. This can make obtaining disability for ASD as an adult extremely difficult.
If you don’t qualify for SSDI benefits for adult ASD, you could still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To get SSI benefits, you must show that you have limited income and resources to support yourself. You must also show that your condition is severe enough to the point where you can’t work.
Evidence can play a critical role in your case
Evidence plays a vital role in getting approved for SSI benefits. It can come in the form of relevant medical documents and proof that your ASD significantly limits your ability to:
- Effectively communicate with your manager and coworkers
- Understand and apply information relevant to your role
- Concentrate and keep pace with your required job duties
- Adapt and manage your emotions in the face of change and other workplace challenges
ASD can come with additional medical needs
Social difficulties, anxiety and sensory sensitivities are common for people with ASD. However, you may discover you have other untreated health conditions that coincide with your autism. According to a recent study, nearly 1 in 5 children with ASD went without proper medical care for things like epilepsy, insomnia and gastrointestinal problems.
You may realize you’ve left one or multiple of these coinciding conditions untreated. If so, you can also factor this evidence into your case.
The right advocate can help you
Getting the documentation and support you need for filing an SSDI or SSI claim can be daunting. However, you don’t have to go through the process alone. An experienced disability attorney can help you gather the specific evidence you need to make a successful case. Whether you’re filing for the first time or looking to appeal a rejected application, you can stand a better chance of getting the benefits you need with the right advocate on your side.
