The Military and Autism: The Facts
It has typically been accepted that it is difficult, if not impossible to enter the military with an autism diagnosis, but this may not be exactly true. In 2010, President Barak Obama signed executive order 13548 into office Increasing Federal Employment of Those with Disabilities. This supposedly includes selective service.
Shedule A Authority
Schedule A authority recognizes those with intellectual diabilities, severe physical disabilities or psychiatric disabilities to hire for employment with or without reasonable accomodations. Proof is required. The proof of document-ation can be issued by:
1. A vocational rehabilitation counselor.
2. A licensed medical profession.
3. A federal agency, a state agency, an
agency in the District of Columbia, or
an agency in a U.S. territory.
Military Involvement
The Rand Corporation published a brief in 2023, and concluded:
1. Neurodiversity, like other forms of
diversity can strengthen national
security organizations.
2. Within the U.S. government neuro-
divergent diagnoses are treated as
a disability.
3. The current number of neurodivergent in the U.S. national security community
is unknown.
4. Several aspects of the recruitment and hiring process can pose barriers to a neurodiverse workforce.
5. Once on board, neurodivergent
employees can face challenges navigating careers in workplaces that
were not designed with them in mind.
The following recomendations were detailed by the brief:
1. Provide all employees equally with accommodations that mitigate the effects of sensory stimulation.
2.Modify job vacancies and hiring practices to attract neurodivergent candidates.
3. Help all employees understand neurodiversity.
4. Support systemic change across the organization.
Selective Service
Even though the U.S. Government considers those with autism to be disabled, they are still required to register according to the selective service site. The website says point blank, "Yes, in most cases."
I am not advocating war or the military complex, but neurodiverse inclusivity is needed in today's society. This includes government jobs.
