People with high functioning autism should be allowed to enlist in the military
- Target:
- Every U.S. Branch
- Region:
- United States of America
- Website:
- www.militarytimes.com
Autism Spectrum Disorders and Asperger's Syndrome is a permanent disqualification (PDQ) in every branch of the military, with no provided waiver, under Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction into the Military Services.
Autism is a complex neurobehavorial disorder that mostly includes impaired social interaction. High functioning autism is a term given to people diagnosed with the spectrum who do not have intellectual disability.
I, a U.S. citizen who was turned down from enlisting in the U.S. Navy for having an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, respectfully request for the military to lower the bar on people with high functioning autism. I believe the military should acknowledge that there are people on the high functioning end of the spectrum, with no intellectual disability, who are capable of serving and that they should be allowed to willingly serve.
I speak on behalf of the Autism community and those with the diagnosis who are capable of functioning in society. Generally, there are active duty members in the service who have autism but weren't diagnosed and are able to function very well in such environments.
For too long, our right to serve our country has been rejected on the basis of our diagnosis. We are much more than that.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it