What Is a Children's Medical Disability?

The Social Security Administration defines a children's medical disability as any illness or medical condition that severely limits the child's movements and ability to function. Many childhood illnesses fit this description.

Time Frame

• A disability is anything that impedes a child's activity for more than a year or will eventually lead to the child's death. This includes any incurable or chronic illnesses that are disabling.

Types

• Children's disabilities are congenital (existing from birth), hereditary (inherited from the parents through genetics), developmental (appearing as the child grows) or the result of a traumatic injury like an accident.

Impediment

• A disability limits any or all of a child's major functions, including the ability to perform basic developmental tasks typical of his age group. It also might impede a child's ability to think, reason, socialize or use his senses.

Disability Standard

• The Social Security Administration has standards for classifying a child's medical condition as a disability. The standards are classified according to body system impacted by the disability, such as respiratory or cardiovascular.

Confirmation

• A licensed physician and/or specialist diagnoses a disability after extensive testing, and interviews with the child and family. This confirmation is required by the federal, state and private insurance.