About Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a group of developmental brain disorders that affect communication, behavior, and social interaction. Autism exists on a spectrum, meaning symptoms and severity can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals experience mild symptoms, while others may have severe limitations that interfere with daily activities, education, and employment.
In severe cases, individuals with autism may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if their condition significantly limits their ability to function independently or maintain employment.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder can affect communication, behavior, sensory processing, and social relationships. Symptoms may appear differently in every individual, but common symptoms include:
Difficulty with social communication and interaction
Repetitive or obsessive behaviors and interests
Unusual movements or postures
Difficulty relating to other people
Speech or learning delays in children
Significant impairment in daily or occupational functioning
Sensitivity to sounds, light, smells, or textures
Autism symptoms often become noticeable before a child reaches 3 years old. In some cases, parents may initially mistake early signs for quiet or independent behavior. As children grow older, symptoms typically become more noticeable.
Early treatment and intervention may help improve communication, social skills, and overall functioning.
Early Signs of Autism in Children
Some early signs of autism may include:
Avoiding eye contact
Not smiling back when smiled at
Not responding to their name or voice inflection
Not pointing or gesturing to communicate
Difficulty playing or interacting with others
Not making simple requests or asking for help
While these signs do not automatically mean a child has autism, parents who notice multiple symptoms should discuss concerns with their child’s doctor or developmental specialist.
Types of Autism
Prior to 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) separated autism into several different diagnoses. Today, these conditions are grouped together under Autism Spectrum Disorder, although the older terms are still commonly used.
Autistic Disorder
This was considered the classic form of autism and involved significant communication difficulties, social impairments, and repetitive behaviors or restricted interests.
Asperger’s Syndrome
Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome were generally considered high functioning and often had normal language development but struggled with social interaction and communication.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
This diagnosis referred to individuals who displayed some autistic symptoms but did not fully meet the criteria for other autism categories.
Rett Syndrome
Rett Syndrome is a genetic condition that primarily affects girls and involves the gradual loss of communication and social abilities after a period of typical development.
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
CDD is a rare condition involving late-onset developmental regression affecting language, social skills, and motor abilities.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits with Autism
The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates autism claims under Section 12.10 of the Blue Book, which covers autistic disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders.
To qualify under this listing, applicants must satisfy both Requirement A and Requirement B.
Requirement A
For autistic disorder, the applicant must show:
Deficits in social interaction
Deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication
Restricted activities and interests
For other pervasive developmental disorders, the applicant must show:
Deficits in social interaction
Deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication
Requirement B
The applicant must also have at least two of the following:
Severe difficulties maintaining social functioning
Severe difficulties with focus or concentration
Significant limitations in daily living activities
Repeated episodes of decompensation over an extended period
The Six Domains of Functioning
Children with autism who do not exactly meet the Blue Book listing may still qualify through the SSA’s Six Domains of Functioning evaluation.
The six domains include:
Ability to acquire and use information
Ability to attend and complete tasks
Ability to interact and relate to others
Ability to move around and manipulate objects
Ability to care for oneself
Health and physical well-being
A child may qualify if medical evidence shows:
Severe limitations in at least two domains
orAn extreme limitation in one domain
The SSA reviews medical records, evaluations, and opinions from healthcare professionals to determine the severity of the child’s limitations.
Medical-Vocational Allowance for Adults with Autism
Adults with autism who do not meet the exact Blue Book listing requirements may still qualify through a medical-vocational allowance.
Under this evaluation, the applicant must show through medical evidence that their condition is severe enough to prevent them from performing unskilled work. Unskilled work generally refers to jobs requiring little education or training.
If the SSA determines that an individual cannot consistently perform basic work activities due to autism-related limitations, disability benefits may be awarded if all technical requirements are met.