Is autism classified as mental or cognitive disability for SSI/SSDI when my teen functions at 1st grade level?

The SSA rep was technically correct - in Social Security's "Blue Book" (disability evaluation manual), autism spectrum disorders are listed under Section 12.00, which is "Mental Disorders." However, this is mostly just an administrative classification. For your daughter's situation, the important thing isn't whether it's labeled mental or cognitive but whether she meets the functional criteria. With an IQ of 71 and functioning at a 1st grade level at age 15, she would likely qualify under multiple listings, potentially including: 1. 12.10 (Autism spectrum disorder) 2. 12.05 (Intellectual disorder) SSA focuses primarily on functional limitations rather than diagnostic labels. When she applies at 18, they'll assess her ability to work, not just her diagnoses.

I went through this EXACT situation with my son who's now 21!!! SSA is SO FRUSTRATING with their classifications!!! They kept changing how they labeled his conditions and it drove me CRAZY. When we first applied they focused on his autism diagnosis as "mental" even though he couldn't do basic math or read above 2nd grade level. His IQ tested at 68. The WHOLE SYSTEM is broken. We got denied TWICE before finally getting approved and had to get a lawyer. Make sure you document EVERYTHING - every therapy, every school accommodation, every doctor visit. They will try to find reasons to deny her!!!

When my daughter applied at 18 (she has Down syndrome and autism), we learned that the SSA combines all limitations together when making a determination. So even though they categorize autism under mental disorders, they'll look at how ALL her conditions affect her ability to function. I recommend starting the process about 6 months before she turns 18. The adult disability determination process is different from childhood disability. For childhood SSI, your family income matters. For adult SSI/SSDI, they focus on HER ability to earn through substantial gainful activity (SGA). Keep detailed records of her functional abilities in daily activities - hygiene, communication, following instructions, social interaction. These will be critical for the application.

my son has autism too and they said it was mental. i dont think it matters much because they look at how much help they need anyway. hes 20 now and gets ssi no problem

I understand your confusion. It might help to know that SSA's disability determination process uses these categories for organizational purposes, but the actual evaluation is much more nuanced. For children under 18, SSA evaluates whether they have a medically determinable impairment that results in marked and severe functional limitations. For your daughter, they'll look at six domains: 1. Acquiring and using information 2. Attending and completing tasks 3. Interacting with others 4. Moving about and manipulating objects 5. Caring for herself 6. Health and physical well-being Based on what you've described (functioning at 1st grade level at age 15), she would likely show marked limitations in several domains. When she turns 18, the adult criteria apply, which focus on ability to perform work. Given her functioning level, she would likely meet the criteria for disability under adult standards as well. I recommend gathering comprehensive records from school (IEPs, evaluations), all medical providers, and any therapists. Make sure all diagnoses are well-documented.

If you're having trouble reaching someone at Social Security to get clear answers, I found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual person. Saved me hours of frustration! I was trying to get answers about my son's disability classification too and kept getting disconnected or put on endless holds. Check out their site at claimyr.com - they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU It helped me get through to someone who really knew the rules and could explain things clearly instead of the generic answers I was getting before.

One more important point: For SSI (Supplemental Security Income) eligibility when she turns 18, SSA will no longer count your income and resources as available to her. This often means that young adults with disabilities who weren't eligible for SSI as children due to parental income may become eligible upon turning 18. There's a specific process called the "Age-18 Redetermination" where they'll evaluate her under adult disability criteria. It's critically important to be prepared for this. I recommend connecting with your state's Protection and Advocacy organization or a WIPA (Work Incentives Planning and Assistance) program for free guidance on navigating this transition. They can help ensure you don't miss important deadlines or documentation requirements.

my daughter has autism too and they said it was both actually. the ssa person told me it affects both mental and cognitive so they look at everything together. dont get too hung up on the categories. what matters is how much help she needs everyday and if she can work or not

For your specific question about preparing for age 18: 1. Begin collecting comprehensive documentation now: - Full psychological/cognitive evaluations (within last 3 years if possible) - School records including IEPs and functional assessments - Medical records from all treating physicians - Documentation of therapies and interventions - Daily living skills assessments 2. Consider requesting a full neuropsychological evaluation before she turns 18 if her last IQ test was at age 9. Updated testing will strengthen her application. 3. Apply for adult SSI the month she turns 18 (you can start the process slightly before). 4. Look into whether she might qualify for SSDI under the Disabled Adult Child (DAC) provision if either parent is deceased, disabled, or receiving retirement benefits. 5. Prepare for the possibility of appeal - many first-time applications are denied and require reconsideration or hearing.

my friends kid got turned down even tho he had autism because they said his iq was too high, it was like 85 i think. your daughter having 71 will probably help her case