My autistic daughter's SSI has been denied after 9 years...?

Question

She's been diagnosed by a physician and a psycholgist and when she turned 18 SSI had her go for an evaluation.

She was in with their personnel for all of 5 minutes, and they determined that now she is not autistic.

I have filed for reconsideration.

Is there anything else I can do?

Answer 1

Hi

Either your daughter has been cured by God, or the person that gave here the evaluation is not properly qualified. It sounds like your daughter has a mild case and functions well, and on a good day can fool the best of them.  What's bad is that your daughter is now in their computer system as not being Autistic, and as you know by now the people that are working in these departments know nothing other than what their computer is telling them. If you have all your previous paper work stating that she is Autistic, then I would start out with you local state senator and see if she/he will investigate this. believe it or not  this is some of their job duties, and it usually gets better results, mainly because they know this senator will be voting for their funding the following year, sad but true. If this doesn't work then seek legal help. Most states offer free legal aid.

Answer 2

I'm sorry that this has happend to you and your family.  As the budgets get tighter for the Federal Government - stories like this are not uncommon.  The issue is HOW impaired is she.  Does she have a job, can she support herself financially fully or partially?  If she is gainfully employed - it is unlikely you are going to change anyones mind.  The disibility itself does not generate SSI the persons needs do.

I am going to suggest 2 courses of action for you.  1 is to contact a special education advocacy group for assistance.  The second is to look up your Member of Congress where you live - call their local office and as for Constituient Services.  Sometimes they can help you work through the red tape.

Answer 3

Try contacting a local disabilities advocacy group.  There are many organization out there like this.  Independant Living Centers may also be able to help.  Talk with her special ed teachers and see if they know anyone.  Talk to the physician and psychologist.  Many times the doctors will go to bat for you because they dont like being told their diagnosis was wrong...play to their ego and they may get a lot done.