While many people suffer from Asperger’s syndrome, very few realize that it can be considered a disability qualifying condition by the Social Security Administration.
Asperger’s syndrome is a mild form of autism that many people have, but many may not know about. Although it is considered to be a “high-functioning” form of autism, the Age of Autism website said it is also characterized by “a lack of functioning, executive functioning, and communicative abilities.” The website said while these problems may appear trivial compared to classic autism, that doesn’t mean they do not severely disable people.
A local ABC affiliate in Houston spoke with Paula Ong, a 36 year-old woman who was diagnosed with Asperger’s after having to switch jobs 13 times. In the article, Dr. Katherine Loveland, director of UTHealth Adult Asperger’s Clinic, said adults with the syndrome are often left wondering “What about me? I know there’s something different.” She said life with Asperger’s can be punishing and said a key to getting better is gaining a better understanding of the syndrome.
The law Offices of Harold W. Conick and Associates, located in Wheaton, Illinois, have successfully represented both children and adults who suffer with Asperger’s syndrome. In order to prevail on a Social Security disability claim, it is important that the claimant has sufficient psychological testing in order to prove the severity of symptoms that are typically associated with Asperger’s syndrome. In the case of children, school records could be helpful for the case as well.
