Here’s a case that illustrates why and how to reform social security disability.
Billy – not his real name – is a five year old boy. When age 3 he was diagnosed with Autistic Disorder and put on social security disability.
Billy’s parents have drug problems, are unemployed and have been in and out of shelters.
Due to neglect, Billy was removed by CPS and placed in a foster home 2 days a week. The other 5 days Billy lives with his mother in a shelter. His father’s where-abouts are unknown.
The care that Billy received 2 days a week for 10 months in a foster home was sufficient that Billy changed dramatically.
Billy changed from having no language to speaking in 4-5 word sentences, from not being potty trained to potty trained, from ignoring other children to seeking them out.
This child is not autistic and should not receive social security disability based on that or any other diagnosis. Currently, Billy has behavior problems and having missed considerable school is behind other students.
How to reform the system so children are not put on disability who should not?
There are some very simple ways to radically reform social security disability.
Judiciously limit who gets on social security disability to start with. Limit the time period to maximum of 1 or 2 years depending on severity. Make it clear that any new information that shows much higher functioning will automatically cut off the benefit.
Tell the family that the benefit automatically dies once the 1 or 2 years has passed. Make the family be the moving party to continue the benefit. Assess the child again prior to re-newing the benefit.
Legislative changes: Require that a copy of all 3 year school assessments is sent electronically to social security for review. Hire licensed psychologists as independent contractors to review cases.
Require that all California regional centers provide social security with electronic copies of psychological and medical reports.
These simple changes can reform social security disability.
