Earlier this month, DisabilityScoop.com reported that as more people autism are entering adulthood, it is opening up research into the disorder and how it affects victims as they age.
The news site reported that researchers from the University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism Program looked at the experiences of 152 people who were diagnosed with autism between 1970 and 1999, surveying them about their status.
Of those polled, 44 percent said they still lived with family members and 55 percent were unemployed. Only those with the highest self-care skill sets were able to maintain employment, while those who had issues finding or keeping employment “were those who exhibited self-care abilities as children that were significantly lower than their IQ.”
Researchers said that this information is significant because when it comes to education, emphasis is often put on social communication skills, which may need to shift to self-care skills. Researchers also said that they expect a “230 percent increase in the number of individuals with autism transitioning to adulthood in the next eight years,” according to DisabilityScoop.com.
Can Someone with Autism Collect SSDI?
This is interesting news. It should be noted that some people with autism are able to collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits depending on the severity of their condition.
Children with autism are more likely to qualify for SSI. However, as they enter adulthood, if they have work experience but can no longer maintain employment, they may qualify for SSDI. Additionally, in some circumstances, autistic adults whose parents collected SSI benefits may qualify for SSDI based on the earning record and credits accumulated by that parent.
If you or your loved one has questions about Social Security benefits when it comes to autism, you can contact our office by calling the number listed above or by using the form located on the side of this page.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability lawyers
Source: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/05/14/as-autism-adulthood-clues/20299/
