Many adults on the autism spectrum qualify for disability benefits. Here's what you need to know about applying for SSI or SSDI with autism spectrum disorder.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Can adults with autism qualify?
- How SSA evaluates autism
- Documentation needed
- Tips for approval
1. Can Adults with Autism Qualify?
Yes, adults with autism can qualify:
- For SSI (if limited income/resources)
- For SSDI (if sufficient work history)
- Or both (concurrent benefits)
- Depends on individual circumstances
What matters:
- How autism affects functioning
- Ability to work
- Severity of limitations
- Not just the diagnosis
Autism spectrum includes:
- Autism
- Asperger's syndrome (now under ASD)
- PDD-NOS
- All now classified as ASD
Varying impact:
- Some adults work successfully
- Others face significant barriers
- SSA looks at your specific situation
- Each case is individual
2. How SSA Evaluates Autism
Listing 12.10 (Autism Spectrum Disorder):
- SSA's criteria for ASD
- Must meet A and B criteria
Paragraph A requirements:
- Qualitative deficits in:
- Verbal communication
- Nonverbal communication
- Social interaction
- Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior
Paragraph B requirements (need 2 of 4):
- Understanding and applying information - marked limitation
- Interacting with others - marked limitation
- Concentrating and maintaining pace - marked limitation
- Adapting and managing oneself - marked limitation
"Marked" means:
- Seriously limited ability to function
- More than moderate but less than extreme
- Significant impairment in the area
If you don't meet the listing:
- SSA evaluates RFC
- What work can you do?
- What limitations exist?
- Combined with other conditions
Important: Even high-functioning individuals may qualify based on specific limitations that prevent consistent employment.
3. Documentation Needed
Diagnostic records:
- Formal ASD diagnosis
- Psychological evaluation
- Developmental history
- When diagnosis was made
Functional assessments:
- Adaptive functioning scores
- Social skills assessments
- Vocational evaluations
- Independent living assessments
Treatment records:
- Therapy notes
- Behavioral interventions
- Medications (if any)
- Support services
School records (if available):
- IEP documents
- Special education history
- Accommodations received
- Testing results
Statements from others:
- Family members
- Support staff
- Case managers
- Anyone who observes daily functioning
Work history:
- Past jobs and duration
- Why jobs ended
- Accommodations needed
- Challenges experienced
4. Tips for Approval
Document social limitations:
- Difficulty understanding social cues
- Problems with workplace relationships
- Anxiety in social situations
- Communication challenges
Describe daily functioning:
- What tasks require help
- How you manage routines
- What happens when routine disrupted
- Independent living challenges
Explain work barriers:
- Why past jobs didn't work
- What accommodations you need
- Sensory issues affecting work
- Executive function challenges
Include sensory issues:
- Sensitivities that affect functioning
- Light, sound, touch sensitivities
- How they impact work
- Coping mechanisms needed
Address executive function:
- Organization difficulties
- Time management challenges
- Task initiation problems
- Following multi-step instructions
Show persistence difficulties:
- Maintaining consistent employment
- Following schedule
- Handling changes
- Sustaining attention
Common Challenges
"High functioning" label:
- Doesn't mean you can work
- Camouflaging/masking is exhausting
- Work stress can be unsustainable
- Document the hidden struggles
Lack of recent treatment:
- ASD isn't "treated" like other conditions
- Therapy history still helps
- Get current evaluation
- Explain why limited treatment
Work history:
- Some work history is common
- Doesn't mean you can sustain work
- Document why jobs ended
- Show pattern of difficulties
Transitioning from Child to Adult
Age 18 redetermination:
- If on child SSI
- Re-evaluated under adult rules
- Different standard
- Prepare documentation
See our article on:
- Transition from Child SSI to Adult SSI
- What to expect at 18
- How to prepare
How Purple Helps
Purple supports adults with autism:
- Simple, predictable interface
- Clear transaction display
- Routine-friendly design
- Track benefit deposits
- Manage finances independently