Asperger’s Syndrome is a developmental disorder on the autism spectrum. This condition often impairs a child’s ability to socialize and interact with others. Children with this condition whose functioning in school or at home is severely affected may be able to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
If you believe your child has a severe case of Asperger’s Syndrome, contact our experienced SSI attorneys. Dayes Law Firm PC can help you pursue your claim for SSI benefits for children by helping you gather the necessary evidence to support your claim, helping ensure everything is completed accurately and on time, and guiding you through every step of the process.
Signs and Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome
Children with Asperger’s Syndrome may appear different to other children and may be ostracized by their peers for seemingly abnormal behaviors. Some children with this condition may place varying degrees of inflection on their words, causing their speech to sound peculiar. Some may have speech patterns that are noticeably mechanical or repetitive.
Some children with this disorder also have deficiencies in their gross and fine motor skills. They may seem clumsy and may fall often. Many also have a passion for something that is unique for children of the same age, such as trains, door knobs and hinges, or astronomy.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome include:
- Problems with the child’s nonverbal communication like facial expressions and body posture
- Problems with speech development
- An aversion to eye contact
- Specific mannerisms involving a certain part of the body or a tic
- Problems connecting socially with peers
- Difficulty picking up on social cues
- Lack of sharing activities and interests with other children
- Highly ritualized behavior
- An obsession in a particular area that seems all-consuming
How the Social Security Administration Evaluates Asperger’s Syndrome
While the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not specifically list Asperger’s Syndrome in its Blue Book of impairments, it evaluates this condition under listing 112.10 for Autism Spectrum Disorder. This listing applies to children between three and eighteen years old.
To meet the listing, you must be able to provide medical documentation of:
- Measurable deficiencies in verbal communication, nonverbal communication and social interactions
- Severely restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities
Additionally, the claim must establish an extreme limitation in one, or a marked limitation in two, of the following areas:
- Interacting with others
- Understanding, remembering or applying information
- Concentrating, persisting or maintaining pace
- Adapting or managing himself or herself
If the child meets these medical requirements, he or she should qualify for SSI so long as the child and family meet the non-medical requirements for SSI.
Qualifying Outside the Listing
Even if your child does not meet or equal this listing, he or she may still qualify for SSI benefits. The Social Security Administration will consider the combined effects of all of the child’s impairments. If these are considered severe and the child and family meet the financial requirements, the child may be approved for benefits.
Our accomplished disability benefits lawyers in Phoenix can help gather the evidence needed to support your child’s claim, including school records, medical records and other documentation of the severity of your child’s functioning and condition.
Contact an SSI Lawyer
Your child may qualify for SSI benefits for his or her Asperger’s Syndrome. However, a successful claim requires you to include all pertinent information on the initial application. Our disability benefits lawyers can help compile the necessary evidence you need to support your claim and can help you navigate each stage of the process.
We provide a free initial consultation and work on a contingency fee. If we are not successful with your child’s SSI disability claim, you will not owe us anything. You have nothing to lose, but your child has much to gain by reaching out for support.
Call us at 1-800-503-2000 for help.