Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Autism As a Long-Term Disability

Autism and autism spectrum disorders seem like a relatively new phenomenon. Already, doctors and researchers are realizing that this condition is much more widespread than originally thought. Additionally, studies have found that an estimated three to six out of every 1,000 kids have autism or an autism spectrum disorder, and this number is expected to rise. With this problem becoming more and more prevalent, it is important to question whether or not autism is a long-term disability.

The Social Security Administration, or SSA, defines a long-term disability as an illness or injury that will prevent you from working for at least one year, or it will end in death. With long-term disabilities, the SSA realizes that you may be unable to work and pay for your basic needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing. Additionally, if you were once the breadwinner in your family, you may be unable to provide for your loved ones after you develop a disability. Because of this, the SSA offers disability coverage to help you attain the quality of life that you deserve.

However, not everyone is given disability benefits. In fact, you must apply to the SSA and answer several important questions. You often have to provide medical testimony from your doctor that your illness or disorder interferes with your daily life and prevents you from working. Because this can be complicated, the SSA has compiled a Listing of Impairments that details many different disorders and ailments that often result in disability. Autism and autistic disorders are on this list.

Many parents notice signs of autism before their children reach three years of age. There are some signs of this disorder, such as delayed language development, resistance to cuddling, repetition of words or particular movements, and the ability to retreat into one's own world and ignore everyone else. Additionally, autistic children often struggle with changes to their routines.

Because of this, working can be very difficult for an adult with autism. This is because the problems listed above can translate into a struggle to fit in with society and carry on normal person-to-person interactions. Thus, the SSA's list of disabilities includes autism if the autistic person meets several requirements. First, an individual with autism must have problems with social interaction, communication skills, imagination, and little interest in new activities. Additionally, the person must display issues such as difficulties with concentration or problems with adapting to changes in daily living.

As simple as the requirements on the Listing of Impairments may sound, applying for long-term disability coverage can be a time-consuming and difficult process. To help you with the application, please visit the website of the long-term disability lawyers from the Charles D. Hankey Law Office, P.C., today.

James Witherspoon

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Witherspoon


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