“is 18 yr old with asd eligible for ssdi?”
We were told he always had ADHD. He was on med for several years but it was stopped in 9th grade. Recently came to live with me his grandmother. His father died two years ago, my son. I took him to DORS and psychiatrist tested him for several hours and says he does not have adhd but ASD. They said he is a high functioning autistic. Should we file for disability? I have some say yes, some say no!!
Male | 18 years old
Medications: n/a
Conditions: ASD
7 Answers
You can always apply for SSI, but whether he gets it or not depends not so much on the diagnosis but by how disabling the condition is in interfering in the ability to sustain gainful employment, by how incapacitating it is in the academic arena if he is still in school, or how deficient adaptive behaviors or activities of daily living are. I do many evaluations for Social Security, and I have three adopted children with ASD, one mild, one moderate, and one severe. The mild and moderate ones are identical twins. The moderate and severe ones were approved for SSI, the mild one was denied benefits even though her twin was approved. So it depends on capabilities and not necessarily diagnosis. Apply anyway and SSA will determine if he qualifies. The test results from the psychiatrist and his or her opinion can be used to to aid in their decision or they may send him to another independent consultant for another opinion. You can have ADHD and get SSI, or have ADHD and function normally from being on Adderall and therefore not be granted SSI because you're not disabled. See? It's not entirely about a diagnosis, but by the degree of disability. Even a high functioning ASD like Aspergers Disorder can still get SSI if it interferes significantly with schoolwork, socializing or keeping a job. If you don't like SSA's denial, you can always appeal their decision and even hire a lawyer to advocate your case, but you better be able to prove how disabled he is by SSA criteria.
Yes, I believe you can. I would apply with them directly. And they will send packets of info to be filled out by the diagnosing doctor.
Have him be seen by a psychologist who specializes in ADD - see if psychologist agrees with prognosis of psychiatrist. The psychologist should administer the ADOS assessment. If he is able to function well enough to go to college or find a good job, then no.
Yes, a psychiatrist may be ok, but I have never seen one that does a very good job writing several pages for SSDI. This usually is a job for a good psychologist who has an interest in doing so. Psychiatrists don't usually give complete psychological testing.
Possibly, you have to apply and have a doctor's note and may take a year to be accepted. I would try it because you deserve extra help.
If you believe that your grandson will be unable to support himself sufficiently, should something happen to your or your wife, then I would by all means apply. At the same time, many adults with high functioning autism are able to go to school, work, and be very successful in caring for themselves. The psychiatrist should be able to give you his/her opinion on the matter as well. The main goal is that your grandson receive whatever support and resources he needs in order to thrive and live a fulfilling life.
This is best answered by someone in the Social Security office.
