Eating Disorders and Autism; Lesser Known Disabilities

At Marken Law Group, PS, we represent people with disabilities across a very broad spectrum. Our clients come from all backgrounds and with differing mental and/or physical health issues. No one person is the same.

Some lesser known disorders and conditions, which are treated as disabilities by the Social Security Administration, are eating disorders and autism. Eating disorders and autism are both covered under the VERY broad category of Mental Health Disorders, respectively 12.10 and 12.13. 12.10 specifically deals with Autism.

To be found disabled, AT THE LISTING LEVEL, under 12.10, one must according to the Social Security Administration possess:

1. Medical documentation of both of the following:
   1. Qualitative deficits in verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and social interaction; and
   2. Significantly restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.

AND

2. Extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning (see 12.00F):
   1. Understand, remember, or apply information (see 12.00E1).
   2. Interact with others (see 12.00E2).
   3. Concentrate, persist, or maintain pace (see 12.00E3).
   4. Adapt or manage oneself (see 12.00E4).

Eating disorders are covered under listing 12.13 and to be found disabled by the Social Security Administration AT LISTING LEVEL, one must possess:

1. Medical documentation of a persistent alteration in eating or eating-related behavior that results in a change in consumption or absorption of food and that significantly impairs physical or psychological health.

AND

2. Extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning (see 12.00F):
   1. Understand, remember, or apply information (see 12.00E1).
   2. Interact with others (see 12.00E2).
   3. Concentrate, persist, or maintain pace (see 12.00E3).
   4. Adapt or manage oneself (see 12.00E4).

Note that for both these disorders two very important pieces of information are required; 1) MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION and 2) LIMITATIONS IN FUNCTIONING. With respect to medical documentation, they mean medical records. Have you been treating with a doctor and/or counselor and is there an OBJECTIVE record with respect to diagnosis for eating disorders or autism? With respect to limitations in functioning, this is a difficult item to PROVE before the Social Security Administration. This is proven through direct testimony in your hearing, adult function reports submitted prior to hearing, lay witness statements and doctors notes, if applicable. It is vital you have an attorney who represents you in the hearing stage as they will know how to prepare you for your hearing and for the months and sometimes years it is before Social Security makes a decision on your claim.

At Marken Law Group, PS, we have represented claimants with eating disorders and those on the autism spectrum get disability benefits they truly deserve.