Is Autism Considered a Disability?

Posted July 2, 2025

Child in maker space with a robot vehicle he has built. Takeaways

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction, and is legally and medically recognized as a disability.
Federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act affirm autism as a disability. As such, these laws grant individuals with autism the right to education, employment accommodations, and public services.
Individuals with ASD may be able to qualify for disability benefits if their condition significantly limits their ability to function.

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that affects how people communicate, behave, and interact with others. Public understanding of autism has evolved significantly in recent years, moving away from outdated stereotypes and toward a more nuanced appreciation of the spectrum. However, whether autism is considered a disability is not always entirely clear.

The answer can depend on the context – for example whether it applies to legal rights, access to services, or eligibility for government benefits.

The short answer is yes: Autism spectrum disorder may be legally and medically recognized as a disability. This article explores what that means, particularly in relation to how the Social Security Administration (SSA) classifies autism and whether someone is eligible for disability benefits through the SSA.

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a wide range of challenges with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. The term “spectrum” reflects that autism affects people in diverse ways and to varying degrees. Some individuals with autism may require substantial support in their daily lives, while others live on their own and lead successful careers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in 31 8-year-old children in the United States received an ASD diagnosis in 2022. Though symptoms typically appear in early childhood, autism is a lifelong condition. Early diagnosis and intervention can make a significant difference in improving communication skills, adaptive behavior, and overall quality of life.

Which Laws Define Autism as a Disability?

Under U.S. law, autism is recognized as a disability in several major statutes, including the following:

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

This federal law requires public schools to provide free and appropriate education to students with disabilities. Autism is one of the qualifying disabilities, entitling eligible children to special education services and an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law, enacted in 1990. It prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. This includes access to jobs, schools, transportation, and public and private places that are open to the public. The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a definition that includes autism.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

This statute also protects the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance, including schools and universities.

Each of these laws affirms that ASD may be defined as a disability and that individuals with a disability have the right to access education, employment, and public services on an equal basis as those who do not have a disability.

How the Social Security Administration Classifies Autism

The SSA recognizes autism as a disability that can qualify a person for Social Security disability benefits. There are two major programs under the SSA that individuals with autism may qualify for, depending on their age and financial circumstances.

Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program. It provides monthly payments to children and adults with limited income and resources who are disabled or blind. The maximum monthly federal SSI payout in 2025 is $967 for an eligible individual.

Social Security Disability Insurance

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are available to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system but are no longer able to work because of a disabling condition. People whose disability manifested before age 22 may qualify for SSDI based on a parent’s work record. In 2025, the SSA estimates the average SSDI benefit amount at $1,580 per month.

Each of these programs has strict and distinct criteria that an applicant must meet to qualify for benefits. This includes specific medical criteria and, in the case of SSI, financial requirements.

Autism According to the SSA’s “Blue Book”

To qualify for SSI or SSDI, a person must meet the SSA’s strict definition of disability and prove that their condition significantly limits their ability to function. Again, the definition can vary depending on the age of the applicant and the type of benefits they are seeking. The SSA uses a manual known as the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security, informally called the “Blue Book,” to determine whether a medical condition meets the criteria for benefits.

Autism spectrum disorder is listed under the Blue Book’s Section 112.10 for children and, for adults, Section 12.10.

To be considered disabled due to autism, an applicant must show:

Medical documentation of qualitative deficits in verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and social interaction; and significant restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities;

and

Extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning:
- Understanding, remembering, or applying information
- Interacting with others
- Concentrating, persisting, or maintaining pace
- Adapting or managing oneself

Importantly, the SSA evaluates how the disorder affects one’s daily life. Medical records, psychological evaluations, school reports, and documentation from caregivers are typically required as evidence.

Functional Limitations and Support Needs

Many individuals with autism may not qualify for benefits solely based on diagnosis. The SSA places great emphasis on functional limitations — in other words, how the condition affects a person’s ability to work, learn, or care for themselves. A person with autism who is able to attend school without special accommodations or hold a job without significant difficulty may not meet the SSA’s criteria for disability benefits.

On the other hand, people with more severe forms of autism, especially those who are nonverbal, have intellectual disabilities, or require constant supervision, are far more likely to qualify.

Applying for Autism Disability Benefits

Applying for SSI or SSDI based on autism can be a complex process. It often requires the following:

Medical and psychological evaluations
School records or IEPs
Statements from teachers, therapists, or caregivers
Documentation of how the disorder affects daily living

Initial applications are often denied and must be appealed. Families and individuals can greatly benefit from consulting with a special needs planning attorney or similar advocate who can help gather evidence and present a strong case.

Ideally, get assistance from an expert near you before you begin your initial disability benefits application. If you have already applied but received a denial, do not immediately reapply. Instead, first go through the steps of the SSA’s appeals process.

Additional Resources

Autism is recognized as a disability under federal law and by the Social Security Administration. However, qualifying for disability benefits depends not just on a diagnosis, but also on how significantly autism affects a person’s ability to function in daily life.

For families raising children with autism or adults with autism navigating the workplace, understanding this distinction is key to accessing the appropriate supports and benefits. As awareness and advocacy continue to grow, the hope is that more people with autism will be empowered to receive the services they need to thrive.

For additional reading about autism, check out the following articles:

Elizabeth Phillips