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For Aspies who Cannot Work

Dadwith2Autisticsons

Well-Known Member
V.I.P Member
Please be aware anyone who has any condition, whether physical or mental, can apply for disability benefits either on their own, or with help from any representative of their choosing, if they believe their condition affects their ability to work. As we live in the United States we will focus on US Social Security Administration laws, rules and regulations, with regards to who can and cannot get benefits. For those who can work, to substantial gainful levels, this thread is not meant for them, as we are glad for those who can function like that.

For those others who do not care about such label, and who want to consider disability benefit assistance, I will give some key facts and important information to consider before applying, as the Social Security Administration is not in the business to be fair, but to make things tough for those who are applying.

(1) Those who have very inadequate work histories, regardless of diagnosed condition or perceived condition severity, meaning those who did not have many jobs whereby they were employed at substantial gainful levels, like full time jobs up to a year in duration in length, will likely have an easier time getting approved, if they state their case merits clearly and convincingly.

(2) A formal diagnosis is needed, and preferably from an MD or Phd medical doctor, like a psychiatrist or psychologist, or some general doctor or specialist. But, other reports, like from a mental health social worker, nurse practitioners. etc. has to be considered, by the SSA, too. If you have no diagnosis yet, or limited medical history, the SSA will likely send you to a consultative exam doctor.

(3) Consultative exam doctors scheduled by the SSA are often biased towards minimizing someone's condition, as they are paid by the SSA. Such examiners usually are not thorough, and they are more apt to create a report favoring the SSA's preferred position of a condition that is not severe enough to warrant a disability label, unless the condition was obviously severe from the surface, and then that consultative examiner would fear more minimizing the condition. That is why one should make sure to have adequate medical history before applying for benefits, otherwise, a consultative examine doctor will be brought in.

(4) Do not rely on just the application and medical reports to win your case. Have attached signed witness statements, besides the copies of medical reports, and lots of other supporting materials to prove your case. If you yourself cannot do this and vigorously state your case in writing, and attach with the completed application many supporting evidence attachments, find someone that will. It could be a lawyer, a family member, friend or other person who is very familiar with things, like basics of SSA law, all your limitations and daily living problems, and how it impacted you at work or would impact you at work and your ability to work at most all jobs outside the home, and how it impacts you in various surroundings. This all needs to be documented, in professional format if possible, so the SSA knows you will put up a good fight, and not run away easily throughout the process or after any unfavorable initial decision.

For instance, the SSA's application for disability benefits will have limited spaces for you to provide answers to several of the daily living activities and functioning questions. Why do you think they have such limited space to write how your functioning and daily living activities can affect you ? Why do you think they may have a statement on a form also saying "We can get this information (medical reports) for you?" It is because they do not want you or your representative to provide lots of information supporting your claim, and for you to see lots of medical information supporting your claim. Another trick they sometimes do is to provide a self-addressed large thin envelope that only their application will fit snugly in. Submit your own larger mailing envelope with up to 50-100 pages of supporting attachments if need be. Also, they often want persons to apply through the computer, knowing often these claimants will be briefer online, and not submit attachments if applying in person or through mail.

(5) The SSA purposefully makes it harder for mental conditions to be approved as a disability, as seen by their forms where most of the questions are physical related in origin. But, please be aware that even for many of these questions, there is a way for an autistic person or those with another condition or traits of such to state some difficulty, even if the physical section is regarding walking, seeing, hearing, talking, etc. For instance, for walking some Aspies and/with ADHD, OCD, traits could say, "Yes, I walk too fast, or walk away from people." For seeing, one could say, "It takes me time to process what I see, or my mind jumps around when I read." For hearing some could say, "I often take things literally. I do not understand properly the talk from NTs." For talking one could say, "Yes, I often cannot talk to people I do not know or trust." These are just a few examples, and the answers would vary, but be as long and relevant as possible in the written replies. The wording for the SSA questions usually is, "Do you have any problems with.." They never stated the answers had to be traditional type answers.

So, on those lines in the application next to each such physical or mental limitation or a daily living activity question, say "Please see exhibit "A" which could be like a numerous page document detailing those application question issues more. We chose at least one page of written information for each limitation. The more information submitted the better.

(6) Their application may not have questions that involve other limitations and daily living problems you have, as again, their form is basic and often focuses on physical ailments, and with limited space to write, so feel free to create your own section called "Other" where you detail other things that would indicate disability and problems with functioning and daily activities. Attach this section "Other" at the end of the just mentioned typed several page document, to answer in complete detail all their functioning and disability questions on their form there.

(7) Please understand the SSA has to base their disability criteria on all your conditions and signs and symptoms combined, meaning if you feel your one condition may not qualify, it could qualify if you combine it with the other issues and conditions. They have to look at all conditions combined, to determine disability. Truth be told though, anyone who has very inadequate work history because of anxiety, stress, depression, or concentration issues could get benefits if things were worded right, with just one diagnosed condition, though the more conditions one has, the less the SSA could try to convince you you were not disabled.

(8) Yes, Autistic children can get disability benefits, and even those on the higher Spectrum end. All one needs is a savvy person to know how to deal with the system, and how to present the case; one who is vigilant, proactive, and can see in detail and fight for the child's current and future rights, which could help with future health benefits and accommodations too.

(9) Please find someone who does not take things literally to fight your claim. If the SSA says, 'You are denied, because you do not have sufficient medical evidence,' or saying 'Your condition is not severe enough to be deemed disabled' do not assume that is true. The SSA persons are the biggest liars, cheats, rule hiders, rule breakers, condition minimizers you will ever find. Do not assume or trust what they say regarding you are not disabled, if they ever say such, unless you have exhausted all appeals. A lawyer will be taken more seriously by the SSA, but realize lawyers do not create 50-100 pages of additional evidence. They get reports, state a brief law, and wait. It is your job or family members or friends job to provide them with additional material like specifics regarding work history, and why the problems there, and functional limitations, daily living limitations, etc. They do not know you, or have time or ability to analyze all of that. You or your other representative can help them with that.

(10) Appeal unfavorable decisions within the time frame allowed. Do not stop fighting for benefits because of a 1st stage denial, and then apply again later. Although you can do it that way, it shows lack of determination by the SSA, and lack of conviction. Denials are common for the first stage, and often reversed the 2nd or 3rd tage, if you have a medical report proving a condition whereby work and daily living is difficult, and with a witness supporting statement would help, too, as they could know how functioning and daily living activities was affected in numerous environments.

(11) For a medical visit, prior to applying for benefits to the SSA if possible, submit a letter on one of the visits that details your extreme limited work history and why you cannot work at jobs, and why you have to apply for benefits because of severe work related stress and being around people, if applicable. Submit reasons why you quit, never worked or cannot work, or got fired. Submit information of your daily living problems, and functioning problems that would make work impossible now without severe trauma. Do not expect any doctor to do the work for you, as they often only know what they see on the surface.

This is just some basic information for those who are considering disability benefits. I have much more knowledge for those interested, if you have questions or comments to make in this thread, or privately. Thanks.
 
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Unfortunately, in the UK it has been made progressively harder to be able to claim disability benefits, especially for anything that is not a physical disability.
 
I can work. If people would let me. It's not doing the work, in general, that's the problem. It's the people things that are the problem, interviews, resumes, coworkers and bosses the hover over your shoulder all the time. Another thing I have to be mindful of is sensory issues as well.
 
Unfortunately, in the UK it has been made progressively harder to be able to claim disability benefits, especially for anything that is not a physical disability.

Yes, I heard it is difficult in the U. K. too. I do not know those rules as well as here, but government goes often after those who they see as the weakest or most likely to not fight back in their eyes. They rather do that than trim their other program waste and their salaries.
 
I can work. If people would let me. It's not doing the work, in general, that's the problem. It's the people things that are the problem, interviews, resumes, coworkers and bosses the hover over your shoulder all the time. Another thing I have to be mindful of is sensory issues as well.


Yes, well many with mental conditions could work if not for all those things, and many other things that make functioning in nearly all work environments hard. Give many a job working totally alone and many would be happy. The problem is hardly no jobs are in the economy like that.
 
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Ah yes, the dreaded resumes and applications. Thus far I've not found any that are Aspie friendly.

Nevertheless, I understand your difficulties. I think that's why I've had over 70 jobs in my life, as I kept trying different things until I found the one that wasn't offensive to my AS. I work as a maintenance tech in university dorms. Ninety-nine percent of the time I work alone, I never see my boss, and the sensory overload is minimal except for fluorescent lights.

Those type of jobs may be doable for many with conditions who fear people or are not able to concentrate around people, and as a bully employee or supervisor may not be present, but some claimants could argue if the SSA said one could work at that type of job and setting that, "There is not an adequate supply of those jobs in the economy."

Also, the claimant who had no substantial gainful work history could say, "There is no work and medical evidence that supports that I could work there." As well, those with allergens, germ obsessions, and sensory issues, these could be reasons too to support the claim, and to refute SSA assertions that a claimant could work at that specific job and environment.

The purpose of my thread post though is not to get everyone benefits, but to just say the option is there, if nearly all jobs are not suitable for one or more reasons relating to their combined conditions. By all means, if one can find a full time job and work a year or more, where they have the strength to endure things and still function, I encourage that. But, there are many persons with Autism and other conditions who feel the choices are just work, death, or living with mom and dad. That is not true. There is that other choice, too.
 
Best of luck to everyone in their efforts... :grinning: I can work just fine, however the industrial shop I work at has had two months of 10 hour work shifts, physical work... I'm starting to get very tired, even on weekends when I like to stay active... :emojiconfused: Right now I "almost" wish I couldn't work, but not seriously! :tonguewink:
 
Best of luck to everyone in their efforts... :grinning: I can work just fine, however the industrial shop I work at has had two months of 10 hour work shifts, physical work... I'm starting to get very tired, even on weekends when I like to stay active... :emojiconfused: Right now I "almost" wish I couldn't work, but not seriously! :tonguewink:

I am amazed at all those men and women who can handle industrial and other very physical jobs, eight or more hours per day. Right after high school, before college and university, I tried several such jobs, and by days end I was physically exhausted. One was a clothing factory job where I had to every minutes or so spin a roll of cloth by machine, take that then heavy large 50 pound roll off the spindle and lift it to a bin maybe twenty feet away. After time my back was about to break, and my arms fall off.

Then there was the toy factory, where night shifts were ten hours long. My feet were burning by days end. The people though was why I quit those two jobs. Too many critiques and avoiding of me. And too much snickering. But, if they had given me a job in a Willy Wonka Factory maybe I would have lasted not a few days like those others, but at least a few months, after stuffing myself up with some chocolate and Wonka bars.
 
@Dadwith2Autisticsons , thanks for the insight on SSA forms, but I used (and highly recommend) a disability attorney. They only collect if benefits are granted and their cut was negligible. With retro-active benefits, I was able to clear out my debts and make much-needed home improvements/repairs. (My wife's SSI limits how much we can save.)
 
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I can work. If people would let me. It's not doing the work, in general, that's the problem. It's the people things that are the problem, interviews, resumes, coworkers and bosses the hover over your shoulder all the time. Another thing I have to be mindful of is sensory issues as well.

Agreed. I only quit my last job because people wouldn't leave me alone. I was good at the actual work.
 
@Dadwith2Autisticsons , thanks for the insight on SSA forms, but I used (and highly recommend) a disability attorney. They only collect if benefits are granted and their cut was negligible. With retro-active benefits, I was able to clear out my debts and make much-needed home improvements. (My wife's SSI limits how much we can save.)

Thanks. Yes, if at all possible use an experienced disability lawyer, as you are right about how they collect. Most persons will not have the confidence, patience, fortitude, and desire to research law and handle things on their own, as it is a long and sometimes grueling process. We have had tons of experience with the SSA, and although we personally never needed a lawyer, I would prefer others had one to be safe.

Just do not trust a lawyer though to do everything is all I am saying. It is better to hand them some information detailing daily living and functional limitations to make the case easier for them to know how to proceed. Many lawyers are associates, and they can be pretty basic. Yes, disability lawyers know the law and can help get medical reports, too, but they are not going to get much additional evidence. Only the claimant and family knows and can detail all the facts.
 
Almost anyone can work in theory. The hard part for people having trouble finding work is finding an employer that is understanding.

I been rejected many times after having interviews which I know relates to my LD. I finally manage to find an employer that understanding.

I do understand finding understanding employer is not easy as it took me several years to find one. But my point I'm trying to bring across is not to give up.
 
Almost anyone can work in theory. The hard part for people having trouble finding work is finding an employer that is understanding.

I been rejected many times after having interviews which I know relates to my LD. I finally manage to find an employer that understanding.

I do understand finding understanding employer is not easy as it took me several years to find one. But my point I'm trying to bring across is not to give up.


Yes. When I say "For Aspies that Can Not Work" I am basically including anyone who either cannot get hired because of interviews, cannot keep a job because they have to quit because of some work environment person or condition, or those that get fired because of their condition or inability to do the work to the employers satisfaction.

So, yes, almost anyone can work, if all the factors were right for those with a condition, but the SSA defines ability to work in terms of substantially gainful employment, meaning an ability to be employed for a year in duration at like full time levels. So, it seems several factors would have to come into play to determine that:

(1) Past employment history
(2) Whether the condition is listed in their manual for impairments that could constitute disability
(3) The severity of the diagnosed condition
(4) The number of suitable jobs in the economy based on the claimants age, education and experience
(5) Any other extenuating circumstances

Unfortunately, the SSA often does not look for number (5), so it is up to the claimant to point those out, like whether the claimant can secure employment because of interview. The SSA only concerns themselves if one can work to substantial gainful levels. As well, the SSA, for instance, generally does not care if a claimant may have a hard time getting employment because of very poor work history, or discrimination because of perceived disability.

So, for those others who apply for such benefits, and cannot work for any of the reasons mentioned, those things I just pointed out could be given too to the SSA, to prove that besides condition severity, the circumstances or conditions in society is such that he or she could not get a job and/or secure a job, also for those other reasons. Lawyers do not even think on that level. They are not trained to think outside the box, but focus on rules. They often cannot think deeper.

Yes, get a lawyer, but for the others who are interested in considering applying, please understand the SSA does not always go by the rules. Do a google search and see the numerous complaints against them. In order to win benefits, you need a lawyer or representative to give as many supporting reasons to prove your claim, as condition severity can be a subjective determination, but if one gives other supporting evidence too why getting and securing long term employment is not reasonable to conclude, that helps.
 
Yes. When I say "For Aspies that Can Not Work" I am basically including anyone who either cannot get hired because of interviews, cannot keep a job because they have to quit because of some work environment person or condition, or those that get fired because of their condition or inability to do the work to the employers satisfaction.
I had lost my jobs many times including times when co workers said I'm more qualified than other people are hired. It sucks sometimes getting a job haves nothing about being qualified. It about who you know.

I do know at some point of my life, I want to start my own non profit organization to help people LD for employment.

I had taken an employer to human rights before due to unfair termination of my placement. I find there not enough people go this route if they fall in this category. It very important to have good evidence for the case. I keep copies of all emails of the parties had issues with at the job. I also created a summary page to highlight all events from various dates periods and reference which document each event took place.
 
I had lost my jobs many times including times when co workers said I'm more qualified than other people are hired. It sucks sometimes getting a job haves nothing about being qualified. It about who you know.

I do know at some point of my life, I want to start my own non profit organization to help people LD for employment.

I had taken an employer to human rights before due to unfair termination of my placement. I find there not enough people go this route if they fall in this category. It very important to have good evidence for the case. I keep copies of all emails of the parties had issues with at the job. I also created a summary page to highlight all events from various dates periods and reference which document each event took place.

Employers are often not fair; I agree with that. Thirty years ago, I got a 100 score rating on US Postal Service exam, to work at a local post office, and I waited and waited to be called in for the interview, as the top three scored on the list are interviewed, but they never called me in. As it turns out they hired the postal employees sister who took the same exam. Nepotism.

I considered starting a non-profit organization to help Autistic persons too, but we just do not have the time now as we need two parents to homeschool our kids. They have other needs as well. So, as a compromise I just quickly wrote a book about Autism. Any extra copies left I will just give to our children when they are older, for them to either give to their friends or sell.

And yes, unfair termination happens a lot too. My brother once was terminated unfairly from a job. In his case though the local Human Rights Agency was awful, as the lawyer working there seemed incompetent, and was laughing with and acting like friends with the employer personnel that terminated my brother, when the case was being mediated.

The Agency ruled against him, and ever since then I have strongly advocated myself to help family, with all their issues. So far so good, as I have yet to lose any claim. The key is having a very competent and proactive representative, whether lawyer, or other with tons of such ability, and lots of relevant and convincing evidence, leaving no stone unturned.
 
If you think you could work if you had some help, each state in the US has a vocational rehabilitation agency that helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep suitable employment.
 
If you think you could work if you had some help, each state in the US has a vocational rehabilitation agency that helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep suitable employment.
Mine didn't work. In my experience, they have been mostly geared toward cognitive & physical disabilities. They don't seem to know what to do when the disability is just in social skills.

That stigma goes away in a Seller's market, if one's other skills become hard-to-find.
 
Those type of jobs may be doable for many with conditions who fear people or are not able to concentrate around people, and as a bully employee or supervisor may not be present, but some claimants could argue if the SSA said one could work at that type of job and setting that, "There is not an adequate supply of those jobs in the economy."

Also, the claimant who had no substantial gainful work history could say, "There is no work and medical evidence that supports that I could work there." As well, those with allergens, germ obsessions, and sensory issues, these could be reasons too to support the claim, and to refute SSA assertions that a claimant could work at that specific job and environment.

The purpose of my thread post though is not to get everyone benefits, but to just say the option is there, if nearly all jobs are not suitable for one or more reasons relating to their combined conditions. By all means, if one can find a full time job and work a year or more, where they have the strength to endure things and still function, I encourage that. But, there are many persons with Autism and other conditions who feel the choices are just work, death, or living with mom and dad. That is not true. There is that other choice, too.
I have a family member with Asperger's who was able to get disability benefits, but it is not enough to live on. So he still cannot move out from his parents. So don't think you will be home free if you get it. Thanks for all the information; it is very good information that people need to know.
 
I have a family member with Asperger's who was able to get disability benefits, but it is not enough to live on.
Is that SSDI or just SSI? The latter is the smaller of the two and is usually for those who have never worked or paid into Social Security. It is calculated based on multiple financial factors.

SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security before their disability was acknowledged. It is a little more and not affected by things like savings and small incomes.
 

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