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PBOfficer
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06 Jun 2023, 6:41 pm

I was diagnosed with ASD level 1 as an adult six years ago and have had GAD, MDD, and ADHD since childhood. In the past couple years, I have been attempting to apply for SSDI, as my only two job experiences convinced me that I would not be able to handle living independently and working 40 hours a week. However, I know that getting disability benefits for a mental disorder is an extremely difficult task and the more evidence you have in your favor, the better your chances will be. My concern is that a level 1 diagnosis would be automatically dismissed for benefits because of it being perceived as too "high functioning." On the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales the psychiatrist administered, I scored a composite of 40. To my understanding, this implies moderate behavioral impairment, which I don't think is reflected by the Level 1 label.
Would it be worth it for me to seek out another psych evaluation to possibly be re-diagnosed as ASD Level 2? It would also give me the opportunity to include my work experiences for a more up-to-date picture of who I am, which I think would help my case but I'm not sure.



SharonB
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06 Jun 2023, 9:17 pm

I am no expert by any means, however I wonder that the impact or evidence of dysfunction is more important than the diagnostic level. I googled about it and find criteria that must be met. Ironically I also came upon a WP post: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=363909&start=32



PBOfficer
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Joined: 6 Jun 2023
Age: 32
Gender: Male
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07 Jun 2023, 12:40 pm

I suppose that makes sense. But how would I go about proving that dysfunction? Could my psychiatrist write a letter or something?