Can People with Autism Join the Military?

There are so many amazing things that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can do. Despite the challenges that they face, many have unique and extraordinary skills that they can share with the world.

That being said, there are still a lot of stigmas around autism and how it affects people who have it.

There is typically a much higher unemployment rate among the autism community than there is in the general public. Much of this is due to the fact that there isn’t an inclusive culture present at employers across the country.

While there have been many advancements and progress made in this regard in recent years, there’s still a lot to be done. The effects of these many stigmas surrounding autism can be seen in other areas as well.

For example, people with autism may not find it as easy to join the military as their neurotypical peers. We’ll discuss that topic below and answer the question: Can people with autism join the military?

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How Does the Military Consider People with Autism for Service?

In the United States, the Department of Defense is the federal government agency responsible for overseeing all military activity. This includes recruiting, enlisting and training people who wish to join any of the military’s branches.

Unfortunately, the DOD considers autism to be what they call a “disqualifying condition.” In other words, if a person is officially diagnosed with ASD, they are not able to join the military based on that fact alone.

Because of this, most people who have autism, and disclose it during the application process, will find that they are denied entry into the military right from the get-go — before any other factors are even considered.

There are some people on the autism spectrum who shouldn’t be allowed to serve in the military because of their disorder. Roughly one-quarter of all children who have autism are impacted profoundly by it; serving in the military with a significant intellectual disability, in other words, would likely not be a good idea.

However, the question becomes whether it’s appropriate to automatically disqualify the remaining three-quarters of children with ASD simply based on their diagnosis.

Can People with Autism Still Serve in the Military?

Despite the fact that people with autism will likely be automatically disqualified for service because of their neurodevelopmental disorder, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they won’t be able to serve.

In recent years, the U.S. military has evolved how it approaches ASD from a qualifying perspective. While people with ASD will be disqualified initially, they can apply for a medical waiver to enlist in the military.

The medical waivers give people with autism the opportunity to request an exception or exceptions to some of the fitness and medical standards the U.S. military sets for members, as long as they’re able to demonstrate that they can meet all of the “essential requirements” to serve in the military.

It’s possible that because of their autism, an individual might not be able to meet some of the standard medical or physical criteria the military sets for service. However, the medical waivers allow them to show that they can compensate for whatever limitations they have with other skills and abilities they have.

Of course, not every person with ASD will automatically qualify for a medical waiver or be able to obtain one. But, all people are given the opportunity to apply for one.

How Can Individuals with Autism Be Supported to Serve in the Military?

When individuals with autism do get approved to serve in the military, they can qualify for reasonable accommodations that are provided by their branch. This could include different training schedules or methods, additional support provided by medical personnel or modifications to their work environment, for instance.

Long before they serve in the military, though, people with autism can be supported through early interventions such as applied behavior analysis.

ABA therapy, as it’s known, is a science- and evidence-based approach to learning and behavior that helps children with ASD build the social, communication and daily life skills with which they tend to struggle. It also helps them modify certain behaviors that are harmful or not helpful.

Through repetition, children on the autism spectrum can build up these skills, modify their behaviors and prepare themselves to live successful and independent lives — whether that’s serving in the military or building a career in another sector.

Your Child with ASD Can Live Independently with Help from Blue Gems ABA

People with autism can join the military, though under current rules, they will have to apply for and receive a medical waiver. That’s because the DOD considers ASD to be a disqualifying condition.

Still, if a person with ASD can demonstrate that they have abilities and skills to overcome the typical challenges they face, they can receive a medical waiver to serve in the U.S. military.

At Blue Gems ABA, we support children on the autism spectrum by administering ABA therapy. We craft individualized treatment plans that cater to each patient’s unique strengths and challenges. In doing so, we help them build the skills they need to live a happy, healthy, fulfilling and independent life.

To learn more, please contact us today.