my 8 year old has ADHD and is Autistic?

Question

should I consider appling for SSI for him?

yes I am sure he has both. He has seen different doctors and mental health professionals and he does take medications everyday.

He also is enroled in special education classes at school and has been since being enroled.

Answer 1

Do you need the money? I ask this, although as a mom with two on the spectrum, we could always use money to help pay for medical bills. Unfortunately we didn't qualify because of our income (ironic since we barely squeak by and don't have cash to pay for therapy) You really do have to prove that the money is spent only on him, my mom used it and had to send in paperwork twice a year proving that the money was used on certain kids for certain things.

Every state also has a waiver program, look at your local DHS or health department and ask them about waivered money for programs, programs for free therapy, meds and respite. Most of those are based on IQ, as well as income.

Last but not least, call around and see if there are doctors or facilities that have sliding scales. My friend's son gets therapy for $2 an hour based on their income. Again, there are usually limitations, like the best around here won't use the sliding scale if you have insurance (drives me crazy, since our insurance won't cover any services for autism)

Answer 2

Make sure he really is either or both.
If your child is a boy, chances are he is not ADHD but is just an active little boy. Many have been mislabeled just because they have a lot of energy that needs to be expended. We live in communities without large yards or places to expend energy and Moms and Dads are tired. The last thing they want in the evening is to romp with an active kid. So, be very careful of that label.
As far as the autism is concerned, you do not say how bad. There are literally hundreds of conditions that fall under the autism syndrome. The most severe may qualify for disability. However, many of the conditions can be ameliorated with diet, proper medications (not depressants), and behaviorial therapy. Again, don't accept a label unless you have tried everything else.

Answer 3

All you can do is try. However, keep in mind that SSI is determined by the household income. If you are making over $40,000 a year in household income (and this will include the income of all adults living in the home, not just a married couple) you most likely will not qualify. You can go to the Social Security website to get info on the process and what you will need when you go to your application appointment...reports from doctors, therapists, teachers, etc. Be prepared for the process to take time...up to 6 months is not unusual. Good luck!

Answer 4

My 9 yr old son was diagnosed with ADHD, and is MR as well, though not severely. One thing to know about SSI is that is is a need-based program that goes by your income like public assistance, so you may be denied if you make too much money. Yes, the money would come directly to you, but you are required to show proof that you use it for things that directly benefit your son. I would advise that you apply for it if you truly need it to help out with his care. Make sure you fill out all the paperwork and give all the doctor info by the deadlines they give you.

Answer 5

Is this a little boy? If so, are you completely sure he has ADHD? Many are diagnosed as such just because they act like boys and are sometimes raised by single mothers who don't understand that boys are completely rambunctious and quite crazed at times (which is normal for a male.)
As for the autism, I question how a child could be absolutley 100% diagnosable autistic AND hyperactive at the same exact time. Usually it is one or the other, isn't it? SSI for an 8 year old is overdoing it - the money would go straight to you. Go to other doctors and get more diagnoses before heading into a world of so-called "treatment" that does more harm than good in the majority of "ADHD" cases.

Answer 6

I would since you have nothing to lose. Be advised that you will most likely be denied the first go around or more. We were denied because "his disability could be controlled with medication." It didn't matter if we preferred not to medicate. Most importantly in these cases is get all the reports and documentation you can possibly obtain from all of the doctors he has seen regardless of the type of doctor. I really wish you luck!

Answer 7

I have adhd and I am 47 years old.. that is not enough to apply for SSI.. But, if he or she is autistic, then it may be something you might consider looking into?

Good Luck to you and your child!

Answer 8

nah i had ADHD and all you need to do is ask your doctor for Adarall or Statara but most people will grow out of it (as long as you keep them active) by the age of 13.

Answer 9

Depending how severe his Autism is. If you have the funds and good insurance coverage to handle his care without needing the extra money, then why lable him?

Answer 10

yes. I know a child that is autistic and on SSI. It wouldn't hurt, would it?