is autism a REAL disability?

Question

My son is 6 and has autism. I have been doing anything and everything to understand. It is so sad because i dont know what to do and there arent alot of resourses for me. Is it a disability do i put him on disability? what do i do? i need help. It hurts me inside to not know how to help him for his future. HELP

Answer 1

Autism CAN be a "real" disability. It is all a matter of degree. But don't worry about any stigma about putting him "on" disability. I have to assume applying for SSI benefits. Social Security benefits for children and adults serve two very DIFFERENT purposes. For adults, it is for "disability." "Disability" is an inability to sustain employment.

For children, it is to help with the financial strains of dealing with a child with "Impairments" that hinder his ability to Acquire and use information, attend and complete tasks, Interact and relate with others, moving about and manipulating objects, caring for himself, and his overall health and physical well-being. For children, the ONLY stigma should be that he has some impairments that are significant enough that he is not emotionally and/or physically where other 6 year old children are.

So, you need to ask, "is my son where other 6 year old children would be expected to be in those six areas?" If the answer is no, than apply for Social Security Supplemental Security Income.
SSI will open up other doors that may help him.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Answer 2

Yes, it is a REAL disability, with varying degrees of severity. YOU should have access to real information so that you don't have to agonize over questions such as these.

Meanwhile, this conditions will affect his schoolwork do some degree or other. He may need access to special programs that may allow him to remain in mainstream schooling, or be schooled in special facilities.

Autism does not mean his life is over. Autism does not always mean he has to function outside of society.

Autism CAN mean a rich, full, self sufficiant life with normal social interactions. There are many, high functioning, autistic adults working real careers, and no one knows of thier conditions but themselves and their counselors.

Get him what he needs, NOW.

Thank "Sarza" for her advice, but ask her to please not make any assumptions about your son's specific condition. A "chew toy" for a high funcioning autistic child is an insult. (and I know she didn't mean it that way) It's like expecting a 6 yr old to appreciate the charms of a toddler's Busy Box.

Answer 3

Yes it is a "real" disability. My son is 7 and autistic, he does not qualify for SSI as we over exceed income guidelines...however he does qualify for a federal program called TEFRA which helps defray medical costs...we have a developemental pediatrician instead of just a normal pediatrician and no psychiatrist (he serves both roles)...good luck and God bless. Also you need to have your son on an IEP with his local school district so that may be receiving a free and appropriate education.

Answer 4

You can get books on autism from the library. There is even an award-winning documentary on the disorder called something like "Autism is a ? (life?)" I think Stanley Greenspan or someone of similar stature just wrote a new book on autism. There have been many breakthroughs in treating autism.

Answer 5

yes, it's very real, my younger brother has autism:( it's a pretty heavy burden, but I've grown use to it, he looks up to me really.
autism will make him need special learning programs, he may have: uncontrollable laughter, he may be unable to control bowel movement for his whole life (in serious cases), he'll either be a. extremely picky, or b. you'll have to put padlock on all the kitchen cabinets to stop him from eating. there is no cure for autism. autism is mild in some cases, or severe.
don't worry, my brother is like an angel down to earth, there's not sin in him. don't worry. and my dad (a music teacher) discovered that music is good to help autistic people.

Answer 6

Autism is a brain disorder with no cure. My mother had an autistic girl in her Daycare that I helped out with. We had to take classes for a few months to learn about autism. The more you know the better for you. Education is freedom. You cant change him but you can gain knowledge and get help for yourself ..to know things will help you accept easier. Things like why they don't eat well...why they yell out and scream etc.. Autism is on a wide spectrum and you really need to get medical advice about/for him and yourself.

We now have a boy in care with Asbergers (sp?) and this is on the spectrum of autism. He is considered high functioning. When he is around people he doesnt know or mistrusts he goes into himself and tAlks repetively about busses and his torrets come out more...around us who he trusts , he is a charm to be around. Good luck:)

Answer 7

Explain things to him with pictures for example hands and bubbles meaning wash hands show him how to, give him comfort items like a soft blanket, one of those stress balls with sand, a tangle toy, autism chew toy. Have daily things like a coloring page that he puts on the fridge, so maybe he likes animals get him a animal coloring book or maybe trucks get him a truck coloring book. show him neat hands on activities like with play dough or a snack. have certain sayings like when asking him what he needs always say "What does ("HIS NAME") want?" . Stay calm and always be there for him. Good luck to you both!

Answer 8

Yes, it is a real disability. You should have no problem getting your child on disability, but it will take some time for them to approve it, so get started as soon as you can.

Answer 9

love him , listen to him and praise him. make him feel good about himself. but treat him like a normal human being. do not treat him like a child. that would only invalidate him and close him up even more . you want to try to open him up. you do that by asking him questions. ask him what he thinks about things and tell him he is right.

Answer 10

yes you need to file for social security benefits on him.....document everything and then file..... let the social security office order copies of the medical records so that you don't have to pay for them.....

this should open more doors for your son to get the help he needs....