CDC reports rise in autism, California social security benefits may help

May 03, 2013 (Press-News.org) The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently reported that "more children than ever before are being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders." The CDC estimates 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with the social spectrum disorder before reaching the age of eight, a 23 percent increase since the last CDC report in 2009 and a 78 percent increase since the first report in 2007.

There is much debate over the cause of this increase. Some contend the increase is simply the result of increased education and awareness, allowing professionals to make a diagnosis that may otherwise go unnoticed. Others argue that children today are exposed to higher levels of toxins, resulting in an actual increase in the presence of the disorder.

Although the exact cause for the increase is unknown, one thing is for certain: early intervention is essential to successful treatment. Unfortunately, intervention can be expensive. More families are struggling to make ends meet, and a diagnosis of autism can be financially devastating.

Autism and Social Security in California

Parents of children with autism may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to help cover the cost of treatment and intervention.

Children under the age of 18 may qualify for SSI payments if they meet Social Security's definition of disabled. The Social Security Administration (SSA) takes the family's resources into account when determining if a child qualifies for eligibility in this program. Autism generally falls within the SSA's definition of a disability under the mental disorders category. Within this category, autism is characterized as delayed development of skills for social interaction and delayed development in methods of verbal and nonverbal communication. In order to qualify, these findings must be medically documented.

Within California's SSD program, a finding of a disability for a child under the age of 18 requires medical evidence. In some cases, the physicians needed to make a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder may not be covered by insurance, leading to costly medical bills. Additional bills can pile up for treatment and intervention costs.

In addition to covering the cost of medical bills and treatments, some families are finding employers are not always supportive. One family recently shared their story with ABC News, stating the need to take time off from work to take care of their disabled child has resulted in lost jobs.

If your child was recently diagnosed with autism, he or she may be eligible for social security payments to help with these costs. Contact an experienced California social security mental health disability lawyer to discuss your situation and help determine if social security benefits are available.

Article provided by Bohm, Matsen, Kegel & Aguilera, L.L.P.
Visit us at www.ssdlawcalifornia.com/