The world can be a strange and uncomfortable place for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Even those with milder versions of the condition can face serious challenges in their development and ability to hold a job.
As often as people with ASD misunderstand the world around them, the world at large tends to misunderstand them. Some believe that ASD gives a person an intellectual advantage, and that simply isn’t true. The reality is that many people with ASD are unable to work and that means they deserve support.
Applying for disability insurance
Autism is qualified as a disability in the Social Security Administration’s blue book, making some people with the condition eligible for disability insurance. Those on the spectrum who seek to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance must show how ASD impacts their physical or mental abilities in performing a job or maintaining employment. These can be such issues as:
- Difficulty understanding and interacting with managers and coworkers
- Inability to meet deadlines
- Concentration issues
- Frequent meltdowns or other behavioral issues
However, this only applies to those who have held jobs in the past and obtained a sufficient amount of work credits. Additionally, a person on the autism spectrum may need to gather medical records and statements from loved ones to support their case.
Disability insurance can provide support
When someone has a severe mental condition, it can negatively impact their day-to-day living. If your mental disorder hinders your ability to maintain steady employment, you may be eligible for disability insurance. If so, an experienced social security or disability attorney can help you sort through the paperwork and get the support you need.
