Asperger's and disability

Post Reply New Topic

Here in the UK autism/AS is categorized as a disability, with the result that those on the spectrum can claim Disability Living Allowance.

Is this true in the States?

Yes.

Yes those on the spectrum can claim DLA, but they are not guaranteed to get it as it is based on how your disability affects you on an individual and daily basis not just that you have a disability. It is perfectly feasible that you have an ASD and do not qualify for DLA. I just think it's important to state that we don't receive any benefits "just" for having an ASD. It's not automatic.

Thank you both.

Yeah, I'm on SSI for it. But they say that with a degree I can be employable, so it's not like it's going to keep me from ever working. It just makes it harder.

In the USA, what qualifies as a disability is not specifically specified, instead it must interfere with a "major life function". Disability payments typically are based on interference with the ability to work, so one can get SSD for Aspergers/Autism, but only if it prevents them/interferes with them working.

It's the same in the UK.

That's true, since I get SSI for Asperger's. While they say I can be employable with my degree, the truth is that it's been very difficult for me to get a job. I was underemployed for 3 years, and recently was laid off from that job. I do believe that my AS had a small part in my being laid off, but they blamed slow business for the layoff.

This is correct. ASD will not get you benefits without major impairment. It's pretty brutal here in the US. I went to see a lawyer today after getting my 2nd rejection letter. She said they pretty much don't even look at the facts until the court level. She showed me a printout of the actual approval rate for disability claims, it was 12%. She said some people receive a rejection letter in the mail after they die from their condition. Other than disability, if you can even get it, there are almost no resources available to AS adults from the public, private and even ASD advocacy organizations. It's not perfect in the UK but it's much better than what we have.

I live in Canada and am on disability. I have aspergers. But at the time of me applying for disability I wasn't diagnosed. My main reason for disability was because I also have Tourette syndrome and OCD. So maybe if you have aspergers plus another condition it might make it a bit easier. A lot of people with aspergers have OCD, or add, and some might have seizures. I applied at 18 and 2 months later I was approved. Maybe it's a bit easier in Canada. I don't know for sure.

your going to need a lawyer to get anywhere. most disability lawyers are paid by a percentage of your benefits. Their motivation is to get you the most money as that gets them the most money.

I'm not sure about the other constituent nations but here in Northern Ireland, people on the high functioning spectrum did not qualify for any state allowance whatsoever until this year.

We've only just had the 'Autism bill' pass through the regional assembly which is supposed to plug the gap.

Beforehand it was necessary to have an IQ under 70, and or specific mobility and self care issues (an inability to wipe ones own backside for example).