Children’s Disability Listings:Do They Qualify?

SSA provides specific medical criteria for different childhood disabilities. If a child’s condition meets the requirements of a listing, they are considered disabled automatically. Some of the most commonly applied listings include:

- Autism spectrum disorder (Listing 112.10) – Requires deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interaction, and restricted/repetitive behaviors, with severe functional limitations.

- Cerebral palsy (Listing 111.07) – Evaluated based on motor function limitations, including difficulty walking, standing, or using hands for age-appropriate tasks.

- Severe intellectual disabilities (Listing 112.05) – Assessed based on low IQ scores, deficits in adaptive functioning, and significant developmental delays.

Attorneys should be aware that while meeting a listing is the most straightforward path to approval, functional equivalency can also lead to success.

If a child’s condition doesn’t meet the exact listing criteria, consider the following strategies:

✅ Highlight Functional Limitations: Use the SSA’s six domains of functioning (e.g., acquiring and using information, attending and completing tasks, interacting and relating with others, moving about and manipulating objects, caring for yourself, health and physical well-being) to show how the child’s condition severely impacts daily life.

✅ Gather Strong Supporting Evidence: Present school records, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), therapy notes, and detailed medical opinions that document struggles in multiple areas.

✅ Use Teacher and Caregiver Statements: Firsthand accounts from teachers, therapists, and caregivers can provide powerful insights into the child’s daily challenges beyond medical reports.

✅ Emphasize Consistency Over Time: Show a pattern of difficulties across multiple settings (home, school, therapy) to demonstrate ongoing and severe impairment.

✅ Request Additional Evaluations if Needed: Neuropsychological testing, speech and language evaluations, and occupational therapy reports can provide objective evidence of limitations.

By building a well-documented case, attorneys can improve the chances of securing benefits for children whose conditions don’t equal a listing but still experience significant functional challenges.

Got any questions? Schedule a consultation with us. I’m here to help. It’s a lot to take in, but we’ll get through it together. After all, navigating these waters is always easier when you’ve got someone to chat with.