Pathways & orientation

An autism diagnosis does not automatically lead to a degree of disability (GdB). The competent authority determines the GdB on application; what matters is how strongly autism impairs participation in everyday life. From a GdB of 50, a person counts as severely disabled and can receive a severe disability card. Legal status and details are in the detailed article; in an individual case, counselling services help.

In detail: Severe disability card and degree of disability for autism

The care grade does not depend on a diagnosis but on how independent a person is in everyday life. The law asks whether someone has health-related impairments of independence or abilities and therefore depends permanently, probably for at least six months, on the help of others. For children, independence is compared with that of children whose development is age-appropriate. Autism is not named in the law; the decision is made in the individual case.

In detail: Care level for autism

The task of integration assistance is to enable people entitled to lead an individual life that corresponds to human dignity and to promote their full, effective and equal participation in life in society. Benefits go to people with disabilities who are substantially restricted in equal participation or at risk of such a substantial disability. The benefits include, among others, medical rehabilitation, participation in working life, participation in education and social participation.

In detail: Integration assistance under SGB IX: benefits and responsibility

A notice you disagree with can be challenged with an objection (Widerspruch). The objection must be submitted within one month after the notice was announced, in writing or for the record, to the body that issued the notice. If the notice lacks instruction on the legal remedy, this period does not start to run. This is not legal advice; get support from a counselling service if needed.

In detail: Applying for benefits and filing an objection

Under § 43 SGB VI, a person is partially reduced in earning capacity if, because of illness or disability, they cannot work for at least six hours a day under the usual conditions of the general labour market for an indefinite period, and fully reduced if they cannot work for at least three hours a day. What matters is capacity, not the diagnosis (assessment by the editorial team). Legal status 10.10.2026; not legal advice.

In detail: Reduced earning capacity pension and basic income support: what the law regulates

With a lasting power of attorney (Vorsorgevollmacht) you yourself authorise a person to manage your affairs. A legal guardianship (rechtliche Betreuung), by contrast, is ordered by the court, and only if it is necessary; this is in particular not the case to the extent that an authorised person can manage the affairs just as well. Legal status 10.10.2026; not legal advice.

In detail: Power of attorney, care directive and legal guardianship: recording your wishes