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

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Financial and Medical Assistance for Families with Autistic Children

Having a child with Autism can be financially draining for the family.
Insurance is expensive and some insurance companies do not allow predisposed conditions in their coverage.

The cost to a family who have children with Autism can be staggering . Between treatments, specialized child care (if both parents are employed), or lost income, not to mention any medical conditions associated with their Autistic child, the cost is estimated according to channel 7 news to run over 3 million dollars for the lifetime of the child.

Trying treatments to relieve the signs and symptoms of Autism have to be borne by the family as no insurance company will pay for any treatments that are not approved by a physician.

There may be some financial relief for some families who have children with Autism. A way for them to receive free medical care and some help with supplements and basic needs.

As soon as the diagnosis of Autism is received from a Doctor or Psychologist, the family should contact Social Security to obtain medical assistance for their children with Autism.

The paperwork can be lengthy as is the waiting for determination, but the long term benefits can be worth it.

They will require confirmation of the Autism diagnosis from the physician. In addition they will send you forms to fill out which basically tells them what the functioning ability of the child with Autism is.
Questions include safety issues, social issues and basic activities of daily living as well as attestations as to the Autistic child's social skills and mental capacity.

They will also require the same form to be completed by another person, preferably in a teaching or care giving capacity that echoes your assessment of the child's abilities.

Determination is not made on the diagnosis of Autism, but rather on the level of functioning that the child can achieve.

The monetary compensation is calculated on the family's income and is paid monthly to the child if capable mentally and is of age, or to a surrogate, usually the child's parent or caregiver.

If Social Security does approve your application for medical assistance for your children with Autism, this automatically puts them on Medicaid which can be a lifesaver for parents who are struggling to find adequate insurance coverage.
Medicaid also pays for incontinence products and for those that live in an area where this is available respite care which can help relieve a little of the stress associated with raising an Autistic child.

It is definitely worth the time and energy to apply to Social Security for medical assistance for your Autistic children as it can help relieve the financial burden that you will carry for the years to come.

Financial assistance for families with Autistic children may be obtained, you just need to know where to look for it. Visit us at http://www.howdoiknowifitisautism.blogspot.com for a little light at the end of the tunnel. Written by Donna Mason, the mother of 3 Autistic children looking for a way to survive and help her children.

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