Asperger’s syndrome is an autism-spectrum disorder that causes development delays, primarily in the areas of socialization and communication. People with Asperger’s often have difficulty relating to others and have a singularly focused interest in one topic.

Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome

People with Asperger’s syndrome often exhibit the following symptoms:

• monotonous, stiff, and rapid speech
• uncoordinated and clumsy movements
• an inability to perceive, empathize, or be sensitive to other people’s emotions
• difficulty grasping humor
• repetitive behavior
• odd nonverbal communication, such as the avoidance of eye-contact, minimal facial expressions, and unusual posture, and
• an all consuming interest in one or two narrow topics.

Unlike autism, Asperger’s syndrome rarely causes language delays in children. However, conversations with a child with Asperger’s often seem stilted and lack the back and forth engagement of normal interactions. Children with Asperger’s often lag in their physical development as well and may be slow to crawl, walk, catch or rolls balls, or successfully navigate playground equipment.

As a person with Asperger’s grows into adulthood, he or she frequently develops depression and anxiety. Mental illness can be a prohibitive factor in successful employment, and because of the significant impact Asperger’s has on the ability for social navigation, an individual with Asperger’s will likely have difficulty interacting appropriately with co-workers.

People with Asperger’s may also be limited by their need for repetitive behaviors (such as hand twisting or flapping) and restricted interests. These behaviors may prevent a person with Asperger’s from successful employment outside their narrow areas of interest, and may alienate employers and co-workers. This alienation often causes further isolation for the Asperger’s sufferer, and in turn increased depression and anxiety.

Can I Get Disability for My Asperger’s Syndrome?

If you meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) listing requirements for autistic disorders, you may be automatically approved for disability. The one difference is that children with Asperger’s syndrome (or other pervasive development disorders) don’t need to exhibit “a restricted repertoire of activities and interests.” For information on the requirements of the autism listing, see our article on disability for autism.

Basic Disability Requirements

Children with Asperger’s syndrome are eligible only for SSI benefits, and there are strict family income and asset limits for the SSI program. For more information, see our section on SSI requirements.

An adult with Asperger’s syndrome can apply for SSI or SSDI. However, SSDI is available only to people who have a significant work history working in jobs that paid Social Security taxes. For more information, see our section on SSDI requirements.

In addition, an adult or teenage disability applicant may not earn more than $1,040 a month from working.

Written by: Melissa Linebaugh, Contributing Author
Via: Disability Secrets
Images via: I Love ABA | Naming and Treating | Today’s Machining World