A previous post on this blog discussed the various basic types of autism spectrum disorders and how they can affect a Central Florida resident’s day-to-day living.
Like other neurological and mental conditions, a person on the autism spectrum may find himself or herself unable to maintain gainful employment, which could mean that the person is legally disabled and entitled to benefits from the Social Security Administration.
Unfortunately, though, autism spectrum disorders are even to this day not fully understood by medical professionals, which means a lot of rumors swirl around regarding the condition. One such rumor is that of the “high-functioning” person who can do some things in life quite well and therefore must not be really disabled.
The reality is that someone who experiences the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder may be able to function just fine in some areas, much like someone who does not have a leg can use his or her arms just fine. It does not mean that this person is able to work or live life as would a person who does not have an autism spectrum disorder.
Still, because it can be hard for even a trained member of the Social Security Administration to see how someone on the spectrum is disabled, it is often helpful for someone who has been disabled by autism to have the help of an experienced attorney in filing for Social Security benefits. Likewise, a parent who has a child with autism may be able to qualify for some form of disability benefit that the parent can use on the child’s behalf.
With over 25 years of experience, our office understands what sorts of records the Social Security Administration will need to see before it is willing to award benefits based on an autism spectrum disorder. We will work with our clients to help them document their medical condition and how it affects their lives so they have the best chance possible of getting the benefits they may well need in order to make ends meet.
