Services Available to Adults with Autism (Over 22)

With a formal Autism diagnosis comes several protections that can assist you in addressing some of your challenges.  Whether it be in the workplace, post-secondary education or in the community, take advantage of these services and programs.

Social Security Income (SSI)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) may provide financial assistance and Medicaid health coverage to adults with Autism. The SSI program is open to any individual with disabilities, of any age, regardless of work history, if they meet the medical eligibility and financial limitation requirements. SSI is a need-based program and as such means that an applicant must have very limited income and financial resources available to pay for everyday needs and ongoing care.

If you are applying for SSI for yourself, collect as many medical records as possible. The more thorough the medical documentation that accompanies your application, the more likely it is the argument for disability can be clearly made.  In 2023, the SSA has made available individuals who can help you apply for SSI benefits. Call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment to start the application process or go online.

Additionally, statements from friends, family members, doctors, teachers, and caregivers can be instrumental in proving that Autism limits your ability to care for yourself or to participate in and appropriately respond to everyday situations, conversations, and activities.

Since there is a financial component to SSI, you will need financial records, too. These may include paystubs, statements from any other benefits received, bank account statements, and any other documentation related to income and other financial assets or resources.

Adult Disability Starter Kit

This kit will help you get ready for your disability interview or online application. It provides information about the specific documents and information the SSA will request from you. The kit also provides general information about the disability programs and the decision-making process that can help take some of the mystery out of applying for disability benefits.

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)

OOD supports individuals with physical, intellectual, mental health, and sensory disabilities in achieving their employment goals. Whether you’re looking to start a job, return to work, or need help maintaining employment due to a disability, you may be eligible for OOD’s vocational rehabilitation services.

They work closely with you to determine your eligibility through personalized assessments and one-on-one meetings—either in person or virtually—with one of their experienced vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselors.

Visit the OOD website for more information on their services or watch the recorded ASGA webinar for more information.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990, is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and guarantees equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in employment, transportation, public accommodations, state and local government services and telecommunications. The purpose of the law is to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.  In addition, Title I of the ADA states that employers must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants or employees. A reasonable accommodation is any modification or adjustment to a job or the work environment that will enable an applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act, was the first piece of civil rights legislation to specifically address the rights of people with disabilities.  The Act made it illegal for programs that receive federal funding, such as universities, to discriminate based on disability.  In addition, the Act was the first legislation to address equal access for individuals with disabilities through the removal of architectural, employment and transportation barriers.

The Olmstead Act of 1999

The Olmstead Act found that segregating people with disabilities is a form of unlawful discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The US Supreme Court ruled that states are required to provide community-based services for people with disabilities who would otherwise be entitled to institutional services when such placement is appropriate, the individual does not oppose such treatment and the placement can be reasonably accommodated, considering the resources available to the state and the needs of other individuals with disabilities.  The result of the Olmstead Act is that many individuals are now integrated within their communities as opposed to institutions. Increased hours of personal care and assistance are being provided to individuals who require additional services to remain in the community.