I have an 18 yr old son who is high functioning autistic,he just started working at "workshop" and is doing

Question

really well,I really do not feel he can go out in the world and get just any job. Anyway the reason I am saying this ,we just applied for SSI,everyone tells us how hard it is,I am just worried sick,when he was little we applied and he was approved medically but we made to much money,now that he is an adult I am afraid he will be denied medically,but he makes no money.Like I said he is in good health,he does not take any meds anymore, but he only does good in smaller groups,gets nervous easy,hardly any social skills,I could say more but I will stop. Aug.20 he has to go to a Dr for them. Please say a pray! he is really scared,me too!!! Thanks!!! anyone have any suggestions?

Answer 1

Try looking into Project T.E.A.M or Ability Counts, they may help you find a job for you son.  

Answer 2

Please do not use High functioning autistic - that is so subjective and has different meanings for different people.  You need to focus on your sons needs:

What can he do independently

what does he need suprevision for

what does he need direct support for

Bring along your last school evaluation that also documents his needs.

Answer 3

I will say a prayer for you. I am sure your doctor will help you out with the medical part. If you need to you can meet with the ss office and explain his situation and explain that he will not be working a "typical" job.

Answer 4

Just a couple of words of advice and please do not take offense, but say them for your protection.  Number one - please avoid using high functioning autism when speaking to someone about your SSI case.  Those with high functioning autism often pursue college educations, not workshop level training.  Number 2 - Know where his IQ and if he should also be diagnosed (or at least evaluated for) anxiety.  Getting nervous easily may be a symptom of such.  Number 3 - Be very realistic and direct when speaking to people involved with your son's case.  It's great that you see wonderful abilities in him.  However, they may give your son an inaccurate description.  One sometimes painful thing to do before an evaluation.  Think about a day in the life of an 18 or 19 year old in his first apartment.  From waking up to his own alarm, scrambling an egg, dealing with a toothache, spilling red punch on the carpet,  hearing the knock on the door from a stranger, making a date with a girl, getting his own full-time job, or handling a flat tire.  What would you honestly expect them to handle versus what your son can handle.  It may take you a couple of days, but these are the types of differences that SSI would be interested in.  In essence, how much difference is there between your son and that of a peer living in his own apartment?