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Is Autism a Disability?

Every year, more knowledge is gained about autism. Thanks to advanced studies and research, all of this knowledge is put to good use through the increased diagnosis of autism and related disorders, as well as relevant and effective treatments that help people diagnosed with it gain the skills they need.

Autism is considered a neurological developmental disability, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The prevalence of autism around the world is about 2% of the total population, and the stats in the U.S. match up closely with that.

Because autism is so complex, it is referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) today, with five previously separate developmental disorders being clumped under one umbrella. And while the common signs and symptoms of ASD are similar no matter what type someone has, it can affect everyone differently.

There are many challenges that people on the autism spectrum will likely experience in their life, from difficulty communicating, experiencing anxiety in social situations and, as a result, having trouble making friends or getting a job.

Thanks to the fact that autism is classified as a disability, though — and thanks to effective treatments such as applied behavioral analysis, or ABA therapy —people who are diagnosed with autism can get overcome their challenges to live happy, healthy and successful lives.

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Is Autism a Disability?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, autism is considered a permanent disability.

As such, there are some people — both children and adults — who can qualify for benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). The two major programs that the SSA provides for people with a permanent disability are Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Some more details on these programs are explained here.

Social Security Disability Income for Autism

The SSDI program was created to help support people who at one point had a job but were forced to stop working because of a disability. How much a person will receive from SSDI depends on what the individual’s income was before they became disabled — or on their parents’ income, if the disability started before they were 22 years old.

Because of how the SSDI program is structured, it’s mainly used by adults who are diagnosed with autism later in life.

Supplemental Security Income for Autism

The other program, SSI, is the one that more often can help parents who have children with autism. The SSI program was created to help disabled people and their families if they’re considered low income, or don’t have the resources to pay for the treatment their children need.

That second part is crucial to determining eligibility, as some families may not qualify based on their income but would because the cost of autism treatment can be high.

Since eligibility for SSI isn’t determined based on the individual’s employment history, but rather they and/or their family’s ability to pay for the resources they need, it’s used by many families who have children with autism.

How Can Your Child with Autism Qualify for SSI Benefits?

The Social Security Administration provides a detailed handbook that explains the criteria for qualifying for SSI benefits if your child has autism.

Generally speaking, a child must exhibit a deficit in their social interaction; a deficit in both nonverbal and verbal communication; and patterns of activities, interests and/or behaviors that are significantly repetitive or restricted.

The SSA also requires that children exhibit an “extreme limitation” in at least one additional area, which includes:

  • Using, remembering or understanding information
  • Interacting with people
  • Focusing on an activity
  • Managing or adapting oneself

Based on this criteria, it’s easy to see how children with autism often qualify for SSI benefits.

In addition to the medical criteria, there are also income caps that are set by the SSA. This will ultimately determine if your family is eligible for these benefits and also how much they would be eligible to receive.

The SSA uses a family’s income to first determine eligibility and to then determine the amount of monthly benefits it will pay.

How to Apply for SSI Benefits?

The SSA provides an online portal where parents can apply for SSI benefits for their children with autism. In addition to applying online, parents can expect to have to attend an SSI qualification meeting at a local SSA office.

There are many documents that you will need to provide as part of the application process, so make sure you read through the SSA’s website to find out what you’ll need to submit. The better prepared you are, the better chance you’ll have at being approved.

Get Your Child with Autism the Best ABA Therapy They Need at Blue Gems ABA

If you have a child with autism, it’s important to get them the treatment they need.

ABA therapy has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to treat children on the autism spectrum. The science-based approach of the treatment allows ABA therapists to teach children the social and communication skills they need to succeed in life.

At Blue Gems ABA, our licensed and dedicated BCBAs work diligently and directly with children with autism and their families to provide the best treatment possible.

For more information, contact us today.