Is my 16 yr old daughter disabled if she was diagnosed with autism by a professional?

[xmasbaby0]

Do I get a credit or deduction if my child is disabled?

If your child is older than 12 and you need to pay someone to take care of him while you work, you can say he is disabled and you can still get the childcare credit on your federal return.   Or if he is 19 or older you may still be able to claim him as a qualifying child dependent on your federal return.

Aside from those things, there is no federal tax advantage to saying that your child is disabled.   Your state tax laws might be different.

[JulieS]

It depends on the degree of autism. 

Here is an excerpt from the IRS on their definition of disability:

"A person is permanently and totally disabled if both of the following apply. 

• He or she can't engage in any substantial gainful activity because of a physical or mental condition. 
• A physician determines that the disability has lasted or can be expected to last continuously for at least a year or can lead to death."

The first condition is the one that may or may not apply in your daughter's case. If you are not sure, contact the doctor who diagnosed her.