Developmental Delays

If you or a loved one is living with developmental delays, you know daily life comes with challenges. This is especially true when maintaining steady employment or financial independence. At Pond Lehocky Disability, we understand how difficult it can be to pursue SSD benefits. We’re here to offer compassionate support, expert legal guidance, and unwavering advocacy.

What Are Developmental Delays?

Developmental delays are lags in a person’s physical, emotional, cognitive, or social development. They are often identified in childhood. Developmental delays can persist into adulthood and impact a person’s ability to work. Delays include speech and language, motor skills, learning abilities, and social interaction.

For adults, developmental delays can be ongoing challenges. These involve reasoning, communication, memory, or adapting to change.

The SSA’s Disability Criteria for Developmental Delays Claims

To approve a disability claim, the SSA checks whether a condition meets its criteria. These are outlined in the Blue Book, its manual for assessing medical impairments. Developmental delays can be intellectual disorders, autism spectrum disorder, or other cognitive impairments.

Applicants must meet a diagnostic threshold. They must also show marked limitations in several areas of functioning. These include understanding information, interacting with others, maintaining concentration, and adapting to change.

How Developmental Delays Can Impact Your Ability to Work

Developmental delays can significantly impact workplace success. Adults with cognitive or emotional delays may struggle with certain issues. These include attention, memory, problem-solving, communication, and time management. These challenges make it difficult to follow instructions, complete tasks, or work independently. These are all essential parts of most jobs.

Much of the available research focuses on children. However, the consequences often persist into adulthood. For instance, issues with executive function, self-regulation, and learning speed are common.

At Pond Lehocky Disability, we know how these impairments affect your daily life. You deserve to be evaluated with empathy, not just checkboxes.

Medical Evidence You Need for a Developmental Delays Claim

Building a successful SSD claim for developmental delays starts with strong medical documentation. The SSA requires evidence from acceptable medical sources. These can include licensed psychologists, neurologists, or developmental specialists. Your medical records should include:

The SSA’s Blue Book, Section 112.00 for Mental Disorders, has a framework for evaluating claims. This section focuses on children. However, it also offers insight into how the SSA considers conditions in adults. Without solid documentation, your claim may be delayed or denied altogether.

Why You Need a Disability Lawyer for a Developmental Delays Claim

Applying for Social Security Disability is a complex and often frustrating process. Claims for mental and developmental impairments are frequently denied at first. This is often due to a lack of evidence or failure to meet technical criteria.

That’s why having an experienced disability attorney can be the key to success. At Pond Lehocky Disability, we help clients:

• Gather strong, compelling medical evidence.
• Navigate SSA terminology and expectations.
• Avoid procedural pitfalls
• Represent you during appeals and hearings

We’ve put together a helpful resource on how to improve your chances of winning SSD benefits. These include tips we’ve learned from decades of experience advocating for our clients.

Common Reasons SSD Claims for Developmental Delays Are Denied

Unfortunately, SSD claims for developmental delays are denied at a high rate. The SSA has strict guidelines. They require detailed, consistent documentation – something many applicants struggle to provide. Some of the most common reasons for denial include:

Can You Get Social Security Disability for Developmental Delays?

Many of these issues are avoidable with the proper legal support. At Pond Lehocky Disability, we make sure your application is accurate and complete.

If you’ve already been denied, don’t give up. You may still qualify, especially with skilled legal representation during the appeals process. Appeals are often where many claims finally succeed. This is particularly true when guided by someone who understands the SSA’s criteria.