Autism, or autism spectrum disorders (ASD), is not a diagnosis that goes away overnight. It’s based on structural differences in the brain’s development, and it is as integral a part of someone as their name and eye color.
Many kids with autism grow up to become productive, successful adults. Many people diagnosed in adulthood learn new ways to manage their autism symptoms and find purpose, happiness, and fulfillment. The trick is understanding your support options.
In this guide, Ability Central shares resources for long-term autism support. We cover funding opportunities, government programs, and social support options for people with autism of all ages.
We answer questions like:
Is autism a disability?
Does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover autism?
What government programs offer support for people with autism?
Should I share my autism diagnosis with my employer or school?
What school or workplace accommodations exist for people with autism?
Is autism linked to dementia or Alzheimer’s?
How does elder care change for people with autism?
Where can I find an autism support group?
Is autism a disability?
It depends. The autism experience varies so greatly from person to person that it depends on your circumstances whether ASD is disabling or not.
In medical terms, autism is considered first a “disorder” and not a “disability.” A disorder changes the way minds and bodies function, while a disability makes it difficult to do certain activities or interact with the world. Under this definition, autism is a disorder but may not always be a disability.
In legal terms, ASD classifies as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but only if symptoms are so severe that they interfere with daily life, make it difficult to hold down a job, or create major barriers to communication.
Depending on the amount of support someone with ASD needs, they may qualify for programs like social security, Medicaid, and funding for caregiver support.
Does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover autism?
The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, guarantees certain rights for people with disabilities that “substantially limit” one or more major life activities. So, is autism protected by the ADA?
The ADA does not keep a strict list of protected disabilities. Instead, the ADA’s protections apply to “anyone with a disability.”
The ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who:
Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities,
Has a history or record of such an impairment (such as cancer that is in remission), or
Is perceived by others as having such an impairment (such as a person who has scars from a severe burn)
Under this definition, autism symptoms could qualify as a disability under the ADA if they are severe enough to disrupt someone’s daily life. This varies on a case-by-case basis, so consult a disability rights attorney or a local disability rights nonprofit to see if you qualify.
To learn more about the ADA, its history, and what it guarantees, see ADA Overview: What Is the Americans With Disabilities Act?
What government programs offer support for people with autism?
If you live in the United States, federal and state governments offer programs that can offset the cost of medications, therapy, or other treatments. Contact a local representative to find out if you qualify for one of these government-sponsored options:
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) offers private insurance plans to people who may not have coverage due to low income or other situations.
Medicare covers people with permanent disabilities and those 65 years old or older. Medicare part B may help with the cost of outpatient services like autism testing, therapy, and medication management. Contact your local Medicare representative to find out if you qualify.
Medicaid covers people with disabilities who have lower incomes.
Medigap insurance supplements someone’s Medicare coverage. Depending on your Medicare coverage, Medicap can help cover additional costs associated with autism care.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal benefit program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It provides monthly payments to blind or disabled people at least 65 years old, and is reserved for people with severe, chronic conditions and significant financial need. Having autism is not an automatic qualification for SSI, but a documented diagnosis can be helpful if the condition and the impairments are severe enough. For more information, see the SSA website.
Veteran’s Affairs (VA) provides health care benefits for veterans who have actively served in the military. While the VA doesn’t have a specific disability rating for autism, veterans with ASD may qualify for coverage of co-existing conditions like depression, anxiety, or mood disorders, particularly if those conditions appear alongside or because of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Should I share my autism diagnosis with my employer or school?
It’s up to you whether to share your autism diagnosis with your teacher or boss. Job applicants are not legally required to disclose their disabilities to potential employers. The same holds true for students and parents of schoolchildren with autism.
There are pros and cons to disclosing your autism diagnosis. Many people with autism worry they’ll be treated differently, get demoted or fired, or have their medical information shared without their permission.
However, disclosing a disability is an important first step to developing accommodations at work or school. Your disability status makes it easier for schools to create individualized education plans (IEPs) and 504 plans. Sharing your diagnosis with a work supervisor also makes it easier to request and obtain accommodations.
To learn more about disclosing disabilities at work, see Disability Rights in the Workplace: An Overview.
What school or workplace accommodations exist for people with autism?
Under the ADA, people with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodations at school or at work. An accommodation is a change or addition to your work or school environment that helps you succeed.
Students and employees with autism may benefit from accommodations like:
Sensory support like auditory trainers or time in sensory rooms to calm down.
Adjustments to your environment like working privately or joining a smaller class.
Flexibility in work and school schedules like working remotely or taking classes at home.
Modified schedules to allow for breaks and doctors’ appointments.
One-on-one lessons outside of class, both about class materials and general life skills.
Regular check-ins on work and school goals.
Equipment or devices like fidget toys, tablets, or smartphones.
Software that improves productivity and knowledge retention like certain autism management apps.
Job coaching, life coaching, and higher education coaching (for students transitioning out of secondary school and into college).
To learn more about workplace accommodations, see Employee Guide: How to Ask for Workplace Disability Accommodations.
Is autism linked to dementia or Alzheimer’s?
Autism, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia are separate conditions, but research suggests there might be a link between them.
According to a 2021 study, adults with autism are more likely to receive diagnoses of Alzheimer’s or dementia, conditions known for rapid memory decline, personality changes, and the loss of cognitive skills.
Autism does not cause Alzheimer’s or dementia, but there may be a genetic link between autism and a predisposition for these conditions. Adults with autism should keep up regular doctors’ appointments and pay attention to memory, cognition, and social skills as they grow older.
### How does elder care change for people with autism?
Like any neurodiverse disorder, autism makes elder care more complicated. However, there are ways to ease the impact autism symptoms have on seniors.
You can support an aging loved one with autism by:
Staying observant. Seniors with ASD may have difficulty communicating their needs, so try to anticipate things—like food, bathroom breaks, medications, and comfort levels—before they ask. Keep an eye out for memory decline and other symptoms of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Using precise language. Communication is often difficult for elderly folks with autism, so ask specific questions or make concrete points rather than talking about the big picture. For example, instead of asking, “How are you feeling?” ask something like, “Are you feeling hungry?”
Searching for outside expertise. Connect with a care team specializing in emotional and medical support for seniors with ASD.
Providing routine and structure. Familiarity helps elders with ASD, especially if they’re facing memory problems.
Understanding ASD sensitivities. Sensory sensitivities to things like the smell, taste, feel, or look of an object do not go away with age. Pay attention to your loved one’s preferences and understand that their sensitivities are out of their control.
Creating an individual support plan based on your loved one’s needs, interests, and routines.
Where can I find an autism support group?
Autism support groups are a great way to connect with other adults who have ASD or parents of children with ASD. Support groups can help you:
Understand your experiences
Share advice and insights
Get perspective on challenges
Spend time with people who understand what you’re going through
Many doctors’ offices, hospital networks, and schools keep updated lists of local autism support groups. In addition, you can find online and in-person support groups through:
ADDitude, particularly their Facebook group
Where can I get more information about autism?
To learn more about autism spectrum disorders (ASD), see:
In addition, Ability Central maintains a searchable database of nonprofits that can help with everything from diagnosis to treatment. Use our Service Locator tool to find an organization near you.
Additional Information
The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for legal, medical, or other professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date resources, some information may become outdated or incomplete. Always consult with your provider about personal medical concerns.
