Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Defence
Give people on the autistic spectrum the opportunity to join the armed forces
Closed
35 signatures
What the petition asks
Allow people on the autistic spectrum to be given the opportunity to prove that their diagnosis is mild and non-disabling. Many people with autism are perfectly capable and not all exhibit the typical traits associated with autism that may be considered disabling.
Autism is a spectrum disorder. It is often said that we are all on the spectrum. The spectrum ranges from entirely non-verbal with severe learning difficulties to highly functioning, successful individuals. Many people, particularly women, can go their entire lives without being diagnosed. Therefore it is almost certain that there are people with autism already serving in the forces. In 2016 just 16% of adults with autism were in full-time employment.
Timeline
| 30 Dec 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 30 Jun 2021 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
35
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Defence
Opened
30 Dec 2020
Closed
30 Jun 2021
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.