Social Security is committed to reducing barriers and ensuring people who are eligible for our benefits receive them.  We provide income security for the diverse populations we serve.  This includes people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.

Many parents and caretakers of children with disabilities lose work hours and income because of their children’s care needs.  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly financial support to low-income families with children who have developmental and behavioral disabilities.  These include ASD – and physical impairments.  For more information on SSI, please visit www.ssa.gov/ssi.

People with ASD may have questions about how ASD affects their employment options.  They may also see their ASD as a barrier to employment.  Employers have started to recognize that many people with ASD can bring a variety of skills and strengths to the workplace.  Our Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security and want to work.  The Ticket Program helps get vocational rehabilitation, training, job referrals, and other employment support services.  For more information about this program please read www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10061.pdf.

We recognize the need to support, understand, accept, include, and empower those on the autism spectrum.  Please share this information with friends and family and help us spread the word on social media!

Jeri Fields is the manager of the district Social Security office in Ironton.