A lot of frustration after Autism Level 2 Diagnosis

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I was diagnosed with Autism Level 2 last May. I am 33. I do have employment history since 18, but I struggle to keep a job. I have had a few jobs that were mostly part time I was able to keep because I had someone supporting me prior to my diagnosis. One time I lived in the Grand Canyon “for free” for over two years with a significant other before my diagnosis and a lot of my constant social problems seemed like they were minimized then.

My work history is mixed. I’ve worked as a web developer, I’ve worked at a call center, country club .. among other jobs..

In the past two years I’ve probably started at least 10 jobs and have applied for well over 200.

I’m currently facing being homeless again as I am unemployed again.

I was diagnosed in May with Autism Level 2, but also for the first time in my life I’ve been facing legal action against me from my parent and to make it short I have to spend $180 a month to be in compliance with court order.. (the story is rediclious and I had my abusive parent as a teacher in school who was a teacher on illegal drugs for 30+ years
and never tested at all.)

When I was diagnosed in May with Autism Level 2, I had to get a job immediately since I was homeless. I worked one job at an answering service for almost two months, and then I worked at a health insurance place part time for around three months.. Both jobs, I still had all the issues I had before my diagnosis.

I applied for SSDI and SSI at the same time a few days ago and I’m really scared! They called me within 24 hours of filing out application for a few questions. I told her I’m facing homelessness right now. I have read SSI will do immediate payments for new applications and I called and they told me I need to show up to the local security office and ask if they will do an immediate payment since I an facing homelessness.

I’m just really frustrated. My career counselor didn’t remember our appointment and canceled after I already drove there, she didn’t remember I took a temporary job for health insurance..

I don’t know what to do. Most services seem like more work AND a way to make your life even more hard so far then helpful.

I don’t know I’m just really frustrated.

Make another appointment. Do you have the contact number for that social worker you talked to?

It sounds like you're going through rough times.

Do you have another diagnosis besides Autism?

I work in a college library. It's usually a pretty easy gig there.

Much better than working in a call center.

At least you have job history---so you just might be able to get SSDI----which is about $200 or $300 more than SSI.

Usually, people who apply to either SSI or SSDI are rejected the first time. If you really want to pursue this, you can hire a lawyer "on contingency"---it's free unless you win the case. I've heard many stories of people succeeding the second time they apply to SSDI/SSI.

That must have been fascinating---living in the Grand Canyon!

With a solid level 2 diagnosis, ideally you should not have a problem with obtaining SSDI. Often the worst part of a situation like this is all the worry and and stress that happens until it is resolved.

I have never had to deal with this since I was diagnosed very young, so when I became an adult being put on SSDI was more of an automatic thing. But then again my parents handled it and they have a lawyer.

Krafty is right SSDI will likely show you a certain amount of resistance and it's a "squeaky wheel gets the oil" thing.

Also consider yourself "lucky" in a way because you can do more stuff than myself and other level 2 people I know can't.

I also know level 2's who can hold a job to a degree, drive a car and not have to have a full-time "babysitter" so there's nothing unusual about that, but I think that happens less often.

Please keep us updated. I'm concerned about you and I would like to know how things work out for you.

Hello cbowman. It sounds like you are in a tough place and I can sympathize with that because I work with people with autism and other developmental disabilities and try to get services for them. But I work in a different state.

I did a bit of google searching and Kentucky does have a Home and Community Based Waiver for people with developmental disabilities. You want to get on this program, because it can provide you with help in your home. Autism is a developmental disability. You can find more information here:

https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/dca/id ... fault.aspx

You want to make an application and pursue it right away. You want to be sure you keep in a safe place documentation of your autism diagnosis. In my state, you must be able to prove your autism was diagnosed before your 18th birthday, but I don't see where that is true in Kentucky. There is a waiting list, so you should apply as soon as you can. You can do the application online and you probably can do that in a library if you don't have your own computer. You want the MPW Waiver.

I don't know about Kentucky, but in my state, being homeless gets you onto the Waiver sooner, as it is then deemed "a crisis." But don't be fooled by the crisis appellation. It will still take 2-6 months to process a "crisis."

For SSDI you can apply online and it seems you have already done that. Make sure you have any documentation they tell you to bring to the appointment. Do not give up. Typically people have to apply several times before getting SSDI, or SSI for that matter.

You can also go to Vocational Rehabilitation for help finding and keeping a job. After a bunch of paperwork, appointments, etc, etc, they will get you a job coach and help you find and keep a job. The job coach lasts for three months after you get a job and can be extended to six months.

https://kcc.ky.gov/Vocational-Rehabilit ... fault.aspx

If you become homeless, here are some contacts that might help you.

https://www.hud.gov/states/kentucky/homeless/shelters

All services for people needing help are underfunded and understaffed. The system counts on discouraging people and hoping they will drop out of requests for assistance. This is not right and it is not fair, but it is what it is.

You have to be strong and stubborn and just keep trying. It is worth the effort because once these services are in place, it becomes easier to maintain the services and the help they provider can give you some stability to get on with your life.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask more questions. That's the only way we learn.

Autism Speaks helped me based on my circumstances. I feel so greatful right now.