Does autism qualify for disability?

May 12, 2025

Down syndrome or Down’s Syndrome, is a genetic disorder. It is usually associated with developmental delays, mild to moderate intellectual disability and characteristic physical features. The incidence of the syndrome is believed to occur by chance, with no known behavioral activity or environmental factor that changes the probability. There is no cure for Down syndrome. Education and proper care have been shown to provide better quality of life. Some children with Down syndrome are educated in typical school classes, while others require more specialized education. Some individuals with Down syndrome graduate from high school and a few attend postsecondary education. In adulthood, about 20% in the United States do some paid work, with many requiring a sheltered work environment. Caretaker support in financial and legal matters is often needed. 

Signs and Symptoms 

Those with Down syndrome nearly always have physical and intellectual disabilities. As adults, their mental abilities are typically similar to those of an 8- or 9-year-old. At the same time, their emotional and social awareness is very high. They can have poor immune function and generally reach developmental milestones at a later age. They have an increased risk of a number of health concerns, such as congenital heart defect, epilepsy leukemia and thyroid diseases. 

To qualify, individuals with Down syndrome need to demonstrate a disability that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) criteria, which includes:

• Documentation of Down Syndrome: This typically involves a laboratory report of karyotype analysis or a statement from a doctor confirming the diagnosis.
• Functional Limitations: The SSA assesses how the Down syndrome affects a person’s ability to work and function, considering factors like intellectual disability, physical limitations, and other health conditions. 
• Medical Evidence: Applicants need to provide medical evidence, such as doctor’s reports, test results, and other relevant documentation, to support their claim.
• Compassionate Allowances (CAL): The SSA has a program called Compassionate Allowances (CAL) to expedite the approval process for individuals with easily identifiable disabilities, like Down syndrome.
• Mosaic Down Syndrome: Individuals with mosaic Down syndrome may face additional challenges in proving their disability, as the condition can have milder intellectual and developmental disabilities compared to trisomy 21.
• Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment: The SSA may conduct a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment to evaluate an individual’s physical and mental capabilities to determine if there is any job they can do.