Autism and Social Security Benefits
Autism is a developmental disorder than can have a vast array of effects on processes like motor skills, speech, language, communication and social skills. As one of several types of autism spectrum disorders, autism affects individuals with a wide range of intelligence levels, including people with degrees of mental retardation as well as people with genius-level intelligence. Autism is usually diagnosed in childhood, and the intensity or effects of the condition vary by patient. A small number of individuals with autism will experience extreme aptitude with savant skills (calculating, memorizing, musical talent and others)
While the range of total effects will vary, most autistic people will have the following symptoms in common:
- Impaired social interaction
- Underdeveloped communication skills
- Behavioral obsessions
Some people diagnosed with autism are able to carry on an independent life, but most will need some type of assistance. The following effects may also be present in autistic individuals:
- Unresponsiveness
- Withdrawal/ indifference
- Lack of eye contact
- Difficulty interpreting behavior of others (problems reading vocal tones, facial expressions or mood)
- Lack of empathy
- Failure to exhibit appropriate nonverbal communication
- Lack of interest
- Trouble establishing friendships
- Speech disorders/muteness
- Problems starting or carrying a conversation
- Repetitive use of language
- Singular focus/obsessive behavior
- Increased risk of depression, epilepsy, and anxiety disorders
- Preoccupation with certain topics
- Stress when deviating from routines, structure and familiar scenes
- Stereotyped behaviors, such as body rocking
- Unusual sensory perception
Many researchers believe autism is caused by a combination of factors. Risk factors for autism may include genetic errors (inherited or spontaneous), environmental factors including viral infections and pollutions, labor and delivery complications, brain damage, and exposure to mercury.
Autism Treatments
Because autism affects an individual’s ability to communicate and interact, a combination of therapies is often recommended. Treatments may include the following therapies:
- Behavioral skills training
- Communication
- Speech and language
- Education
- Creative
- Diet
- Medication
To find our more about autism, please visit the National Autism Association. A disability does not have to mean financial hardship. If your family is affected by autism, The Cochran Firm can help you learn more about your right to Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. To set up a free review of your case, contact our Social Security disability lawyers today.
The Cochran Firm handles Social Security disability claims for clients throughout the United States of America. We have over twenty offices located in Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, Ohio, Mississippi, Maryland, California, Tennessee and Washington, D.C. Please contact The Cochran Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
Jr. may have become well known for his representation of celebrities in high-profile and groundbreaking cases, but his true measure of success came from his lifelong dedication in the fight for the injured and the disenfranchised throughout America. It was Johnnie’s dream to bring justice to all Americans who suffer because of the wrongdoings of individuals, corporations, or governmental entities. This dream was realized when Johnnie became founding partner of the national law firm of Cochran, Cherry, Givens, Smith, P.C. The Cochran Firm, as it is known today, has become one of the largest firms serving injured people and their families. Located in major cities throughout the United States, The Cochran Firm offers extensive national resources, legal talent and leadership to its clients. Providing assistance to those seeking a Social Security disability lawyer is just one more way the Cochran Firm is helping people in need.
