Is Autism Considered a Learning Disability?

Autism is not a learning disability. It is a developmental disorder that affects people differently. Medical professionals call it autism spectrum disorder to more accurately reflect the many ways it affects how people communicate, behave, learn, and interact with others.

Although typically diagnosed before a child is three years of age, someone with mild symptoms may not be diagnosed with autism until they are older. The challenges of living with autism can affect how children function and develop in school. Adults with the disorder may be unable to do work-related activities.

The Social Security Administration recognizes autism spectrum disorder as a disability. Autism disability benefits may be available through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs, administered by the Social Security Administration.

How Do Learning And Developmental Disorders Differ?

A learning disability, such as dyslexia, affects how your brain processes information. It may impact how a person reads, writes, or performs in other academic areas.

Developmental disorders have a broader impact by affecting cognitive abilities. It could also affect motor and social skills. A person with a developmental disorder may learn more slowly across all academic areas, rather than in specific ones. 

Knowing the distinction between autism vs. learning disability may still leave you wondering: Is autism a learning disability? The short answer is that autism is not a learning disability, but someone diagnosed with autism, a developmental disorder, may coincidentally have one or more learning disabilities.

Symptoms of Autism

Autism symptoms typically involve those associated with social communication and interaction skills and behaviors that are restricted and repetitive. Autism may present itself differently in each individual, and some people who do not have autism may display similar symptoms.

Difficulty or limitations in social communication and interaction skills may be seen in the following areas:

1. Starting and participating in conversations.
2. Sharing emotions or interests.
3. Understanding thoughts or feelings of others.
4. Making eye contact.
5. Understanding the gestures, facial expressions, and body language of others.
6. Regulating the volume and tone of the voice when speaking.
7. Expressing feelings and emotions.
8. Making friends and engaging with others.
9. Understanding personal space and boundaries.

Adults may encounter challenges beyond autism and learning difficulties. They may have difficulty finding employment, engaging with co-workers, and performing work activities.

Several treatment alternatives exist for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, including medication, social skills training, and autism educational support services. Adults with autism may experience depression and anxiety, so they may benefit from medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both to treat those specific symptoms.

Qualifying for disability benefits with autism

Disability benefits for individuals with autism may be available through the SSDI and SSI programs administered through the Social Security Administration. Eligibility for benefits through SSDI requires a person to have worked long enough and recently enough in jobs covered by Social Security.

The SSI program does not have a work requirement for eligibility. It is a needs-based program for adults and children with limited income and resources.

The SSDI and SSI programs have a medical requirement for eligibility, with one exception. SSI benefits may be approved for individuals age 65 and older without a disabling medical condition who meet the income and resource limitations.

Adults younger than 65 and children applying for SSI, as well as all applicants for SSDI, must have a qualifying disability that meets the standards established for use by the Social Security Administration. The standard requires evidence proving the applicant meets the following criteria:

1. Cannot do substantial gainful work activity because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment.
2. The impairment or impairments lasted or are expected to last for at least 12 consecutive months or to result in death.
3. The medical condition prevents the person from doing work done in the past or adjusting to do another type of work.

The definition used for children applying for SSI benefits requires medically determinable physical or mental impairment resulting in marked and severe functional limitations. The impairment must last or be expected to last for at least one year or result in death.

Qualifying For Disability Benefits With Autism Using The Listing Of Impairments

Applications for SSDI and SSI undergo a thorough evaluation process to determine whether an individual meets the medical eligibility criteria. One method is the listing of impairments, a compilation of physical and mental impairments severe enough to meet the disability standard.

Each listing includes medical criteria that must be met. For example, the listing for autism spectrum disorder requires documentation of impaired communication skills, behavior, interests, and social interaction with limitations in other areas of mental functioning, such as the ability to understand, apply information, and remember.

Consult An Autism Disability Lawyer

Qualifying for disability benefits through SSDI and SSI requires medical records with an autism diagnosis and evidence documenting disabling symptoms. It can be a difficult process, but help is available from the disability benefits team at Sackett and Associates. Contact us today for a free consultation and claim evaluation.