Autism

Serving the Western United States

Autism and Social Security Disability Benefits

Autism is a developmental disorder that often inhibits the development of “normal” communication and social skills. The illness is often made evident at or before the age of 3. Symptoms cover a broad spectrum of complications, but most have to do with interactions of the person with the rest of the world; They often have trouble communicating (due to a slowed development of language), little to no social skills due to a general lack of empathy, and their senses are often either heightened or lessened.

Individuals suffering from autism have a difficult time interacting with other people, and understanding directions/explanations.

Autism and Social Security Disability Help

If the applicant’s impairment falls within any of the following categories set forth by Social Security’s Listing 12.10, then a strong claim may exist. The Listing is as follows;

12.10 Autistic disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders: Characterized by qualitative deficits in the development of reciprocal social interaction, in the development of verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and in imaginative activity. Often, there is a markedly restricted repertoire of activities and interests, which frequently are stereotyped and repetitive.

The required level of severity for these disorders is met when the requirements in both A and B are satisfied.

A. Medically documented findings of the following:

1. For autistic disorder, all of the following:

a. Qualitative deficits in reciprocal social interaction; and

b. Qualitative deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication and in imaginative activity; and

c. Markedly restricted repertoire of activities and interests;

OR

2. For other pervasive developmental disorders, both of the following:

a. Qualitative deficits in reciprocal social interaction; and

b. Qualitative deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication and in imaginative activity;

AND

B. Resulting in at least two of the following:

1. Marked restriction of activities of daily living; or

2. Marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning; or

3. Marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace; or

4. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration.

The sheer lack of social and communication skills will make work difficult for an autistic individual. They would not be able to perform simple tasks or follow basic instructions given to them by supervisors/managers.

To increase your chances of winning your Social Security Disability claim it is important for you to hire an experienced Social Security Disability attorney to get you the Social Security Disability help you deserve. Please call us at 1-800-882-5500 or fill out a form on our website for a FREE claim evaluation.