Is Autism A Disability?

Yes, autism is considered a developmental disability. People with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may have difficulty socializing, relating to others, or learning new things. There are three disorders of autism spectrum disorder, namely:

• Autism

• Asperger’s Syndrome (AS)

• Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS)

People with autism may readily experience sensory overload. This sensitivity can cause pain and distress that develops into the more visible symptoms of the syndrome. Disability for autism can provide much-needed financial support to patients and their family members.

What is autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a child’s ability to communicate and interact in social situations. Classic autism is just one disorder in a range of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). 

ASD is considered a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD commonly face problems in interaction and social communication. They also may have narrow or repetitive interests or behaviors. Individuals with ASD may also experience difficulty coordination, concentration, and learning.

Many people with autism also experience intellectual disability, though many do not. No two individuals with autism will display precisely the same symptoms. The severity of symptoms also varies from one person to the next. In general, autism is marked by difficulties with language and social interaction.

Autism is a lifelong condition. It has a significant effect on individuals, family members or caregivers, and society at large. Although autism was first officially identified in 1980, symptoms of the disorder have occurred throughout history. Now, as more becomes known about autism spectrum disorders, including Asperger’s syndrome, more children are accurately diagnosed and treated.

What are the symptoms of autism disability?

According to 2016 data, the CDC reports that 1 out of 54 children in the US have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. As adults, many of these individuals are unable to lead normal lives. Some people require ongoing treatment, while others can function in society without assistance. Characteristics of people with autism can include the following.

Social interaction and communication skills:

• Avoids eye contact

• Does not respond to their name by 9 months of age

• Lack of facial expressions like happy, sad, angry, and surprised by 9 months of age

• Does not play games by 12 months

Restricted behaviors or interests:

• Distress from small changes

• Obsessive interests

• Need to follow rigid routines

• Flaps hands

• Spinning self in circles

Other signs include:

• Delayed language skills

• Problems with movement and coordination

• Unusual eating and sleeping habits

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Delayed cognitive or learning skills

• Hyperactive or inattentive behavior

• Epilepsy or seizure disorder

There are many treatments available for autism and disability including different approaches from behavioral, developmental, educational, pharmacological, and psychological frames of reference.

What is Asperger’s?

Asperger’s syndrome falls under autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It’s generally considered to be milder than classic autism. People with Asperger’s syndrome usually do not have problems with language development. They may seem to act and function normally most of the time.

They do, however, have difficulties with social cues and empathy. They may have a hard time communicating with other people. Individuals with Asperger’s syndrome might avoid eye contact, misunderstand gestures and expressions, or take things in a very literal way. People with Asperger’s syndrome may also tend to fixate on certain details and topics or engage in compulsive behaviors.

Even high-functioning autistic people or individuals with Asperger’s syndrome may have a difficult time working due to their social difficulties. Many adults with autistic spectrum disorders also develop anxiety and depression, which can make working difficult.

Can you get disability for autism?

Conditions such as autism are recognized as potentially disabling by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Since autism disability often appears before 18 years of age, both adults and children with autism may qualify for Social Security disability benefits through SSDI or SSI disability programs.

Autism spectrum disorders can qualify as disabilities if they cause severe limitations with a person’s cognitive, social, or personal functioning. Low-income families with autistic children may be eligible for SSI for autism. Adults with the condition who make under $1,010 per month can obtain these benefits. A disability attorney can explain these requirements in more detail as it pertains to your situation.

What is childhood autism?

ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a developmental disability that results in significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. The capability to learn, think, and solve problems differs in people with ASD.

Childhood autism is mentioned under Section 112.10 in the SSA Blue Book. For a child to be eligible for the autism disability benefits, they need to meet all the eligibility requirements of Paragraph A and Paragraph B.

Paragraph A marks limitations in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and restricted activities. Paragraph B specifies limitations in motor, developmental, cognitive, and social functioning.

Can Adults With Autism Get Disability?

A great deal of research has been done concerning the developmental delays that autistic people experience. Many weaknesses and strengths related to the impairment have placed autism in a developmental context.

There is a particular listing of Adulthood Autism, i.e. for Asperger’s Syndrome and PDD-NOS, in the SSA Blue Book. The listing has no specific criteria for approval, which can make it challenging to prove disability for autism (AS and PDD-NOS).

When someone applies for disability, an SSA representative analyzes their threshold for gainful employment. They also must present medical records of their disabling condition. If the SSA denies an application, medical-vocational allowance may instead be granted in some circumstances.

Navigating SSDI for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that can significantly impact an individual’s ability to perform in a work environment. For those whose ability to maintain substantial gainful employment is compromised by ASD, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can provide essential financial support.

Securing ASD disability benefits requires a thorough understanding of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) specific medical and non-medical criteria. This guide outlines the autism disability eligibility requirements, the evidence needed for a successful claim, and the key differences between adult and child-related claims.

Understanding the SSDI Eligibility Criteria for Autism

To qualify for SSDI, an applicant must have a sufficient work history to be “insured” under the program and must prove they have a medical condition that prevents them from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). The SSA’s autism disability determination process for adults primarily relies on its medical guide, known as the “Blue Book.”

SSA Blue Book Listing 12.10: Autism Spectrum Disorder

The primary path to approval is by meeting the criteria outlined in Listing 12.10 for Autism spectrum disorder. An applicant must provide medical documentation of both of the following:

1. Qualitative deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction; and
2. Significantly restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

In addition to the above, the applicant must demonstrate an “extreme” limitation of one, or a “marked” limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning:

• Understanding, remembering, or applying information: This includes the ability to learn new things, follow instructions, and use judgment.
• Interacting with others: This involves the ability to manage social interactions appropriately and avoid isolation.
• Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace: This refers to the ability to complete tasks in a timely and effective manner without excessive interruptions.
• Adapting or managing oneself: This covers the ability to regulate emotions, control behavior, and adapt to changes in a work setting.

The autism disability criteria are focused on functional limitations. A diagnosis alone is insufficient; the evidence must demonstrate how these autism disability symptoms and impairments prevent sustained work.

Child vs. Adult Eligibility Differences for SSDI

While the core medical analysis is similar, the pathway to SSDI benefits differs significantly for adults applying on their own work record versus those applying as a Disabled Adult Child” (DAC).

Adult Applicants

An adult (18 or older) applying for SSDI must meet two primary tests:

1. Work History: They must have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to earn the required number of work credits.
2. Medical Disability: They must prove that their ASD prevents them from performing SGA, which is defined as earning over a certain monthly amount. For 2025, this amount is projected to be similar to the 2024 threshold of $1,550 per month.

Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Applicants

An individual over 18 may be eligible for SSDI benefits based on a parent’s work record if they meet the DAC criteria. This is a crucial pathway for many with severe ASD who were never able to build their own work history. To qualify as a DAC, the applicant must:

1. Be 18 years or older.
2. Have a disability that began before age 22.
3. Meet the SSA’s definition of disability for adults (as described in Listing 12.10).
4. Be unmarried.
5. Have a parent who is deceased, disabled, or retired and receiving Social Security benefits.

The key difference is that DAC benefits rely on a parent’s earnings record, not the applicant’s. The autism disability documentation must therefore establish not only current impairment but also the onset of the autism developmental disability prior to age 22.

Average SSDI Disability Check Amount for Autism

It is critical to understand that the SSA does not assign benefit amounts based on a specific diagnosis. The monthly SSDI payment is calculated based on an individual’s lifetime average earnings on which they paid Social Security taxes. For a DAC, the benefit is calculated as a percentage of the parent’s primary insurance amount.

While there is no specific average benefit for autism, the SSA does publish overall averages. According to the SSA’s 2024 data, the average monthly SSDI benefit for all disabled workers as of September 2025 was $1,755.66. High-earners could receive over $3,800, while those with lower or less consistent earnings would receive less. An applicant’s specific benefit amount can only be determined by the SSA after reviewing their complete earnings history.

Get legal help with the disability application process

The autism spectrum has a wide range of abilities and challenges. Many people with autism live in care facilities or under the care of their parents or guardians, even as adults. Others can live on their own but may require assistance with certain tasks. 

Some people with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism might lead relatively typical lives. Each individual is different, and no single course of treatment or lifestyle will fit everyone with an autism diagnosis. 

If you need assistance with applying for disability for autism, contact a Houston disability lawyer for legal help today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)