Understanding Disability Eligibility For Autistic Children

Posted on: 14 April 2016

Many children with autism find that the condition affects nearly every aspect of their life. If your child struggles with the demands of daily routines, it may lead to difficulties with obtaining a traditional education or working in a productive job. In situations like that, Social Security Disability may provide some financial support for you to get the care and support that your child needs. Here's a look at what you should know about your child's eligibility.

What Kinds of Struggles Do Kids WIth Autism Experience?

Kids on the autism spectrum experience a wide range of problems with social interactions, communication and a lack of imagination. In addition, many kids on the spectrum have limited interests, which can frequently keep them from participating in many activities.

The restricted focus and interest that comes with the condition paired with an autistic child's difficulty with social interaction and conversation can make it challenging to be in a work environment or even a structured school setting.

What Qualifies Kids With Autism for Disability?

Not all children with autism will qualify for disability. As a spectrum disorder, people can be affected by autism in many different ways and in varying severities. For that reason, the evaluation process for disability benefits requires some extensive information. You'll need a doctor's evaluation that not only details your child's symptoms but also explains how those symptoms are affecting daily life.

To qualify for disability, your child's symptoms must affect his or her development in several areas. Cognitive development can be affected by things such as minimal communication skills, poor speech patterns and low IQ scores.

Social development can be affected by things like minimal understanding of social cues, inability to or difficulty with building or maintaining friendships and general social interaction trouble. Many kids who are deemed to be struggling with social development are non-verbal, aggressive or highly independent and isolated.

Personal development issues include things such as poor hygiene, an inability to handle self-care without prompting and observation and similar problems. These things can affect your child's ability to function independently.

What Can You Expect Of The Review Process?

Once you submit your application, the board will look at your household income first. Your household income needs to be less than the current monthly income limits, which you can easily obtain from your disability attorney.

If your income is below the limitations, they will evaluate your child's medical records and other details to determine if he or she is likely to be affected long-term. Your attorney can help you create an application that will showcase your child's struggles and help the review panel understand what kind of supportive care he or she is likely going to need.

For help with your disability case, contact a law firm like The Nelson Law Firm LLC.

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