Should people with autism be allowed to serve on submarines?

Question

Explain your answer, please.

Answer 1

Actually with the changes in diagnosing autism you will find many of the people you work with could probably fall within the symptoms of Autistic Spectrum Disorders. With 1 in 150 children falling into this category now the odds are that 1 or 2 personnel on a sub already are. Many children that were diagnosed ADD/ADHD are being re-evaluated as autistic. Now an extreme case like Rain man or that kid on mercury rising would never meet the requirements but many great minds are believed to have been autistic including Albert Einstein, and Isaak Newton. I would not be surprised if some of the great military leaders of our history also fell within these disorders as well. The bottom line is judge the mental capacity of the man based on the man not on a label or diagnosis like autism. Many people once they learn proper coping skills live full and eventful lives in society.

Answer 2

Absolutely not. I do not want to come across as prejudiced but anyone who is not 100% physically or mentally should never serve in a boat. Some autistics are about the same as anyone else while others are completely disassociated personalities. Many rate in the above average to genius range in intelligence and some have unbelievable capabilities in various areas (Remember "Rainman"?). Doctors really aren't sure why it occurs and why it manifests itself in the first six months of life in some and much later in others. Is it some disconnect in the brain or genetic? Many ideas and theories are advanced. I honestly doubt that someone who is even mildly autistic could be prepared all of the time to respond to an emergency situation with the speed required to save the boat or a fellow crew member. Another issue would be medications. Any one taking any type of medication, even though legal, is a no-starter. I once had a six month cruise that turned in a twelve month cruise. Suppose the boat carried a seven month supply what would happen when the Doc ran out the meds? It all boils down to an unknown risk factor that is best avoided. I hope that within the next 10 years or sooner we do not have to discuss this issue again and a treatment/cure has been discovered

Answer 3

I seriously doubt that someone with "autism" or "pdd-nos" would be able to get into the navy at all. I do think that someone wtih aspergers probably could {and have}. a true autistic could not-- not that they dont have the mental capacity, as many are extremely intelligent, but the other problems that go along with autism- non verbal, doesnt communicate, etc, THAT would make it to where they cant pass the test to get in. Also, on subs i think it would be worse, to have someone who might be able to do the job, but ifthey cant communicate with others- how would they effectivly do the job?

AND think of this... in the military everyone has to be able to tell right from wrong... they have to be ablet o make decisions... someting as simple as which uniform to wear, could send an 'autistic' into a rocking fit.... that type of meltdowns cant be tolerated in the military environment...

with your question, i cant really tell if YOU are autistic? and want to serve on a sub?? if thats the case, and your really interested in serving theservice, maybe you should look into volunteering for the red cross, or perhaps candystriping @ the local VA Hospital.. sometimes the less talked about jobs can be more rewarding than the flashier ones...

Answer 4

Websters Dictionary - autism (n) A psychiatric disorder of childhood characterized by marked deficits in communication and social interaction, preoccupation with fantasy, language impairment, and abnormal behavior, such as repetitive acts and excessive attachment to certain objects. It is usually associated with intellectual impairment.

The following definition is from the Autism Society of America: AUTISM is a severely incapacitating lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life.

SO, as much as an autistic might be able to live a full life and contribute to society, and wish to serve, such a person simply WOULDN'T be suitable to the "Silent Service" much less any position in the Military due to communications and learn skills.

Answer 5

I hate when people have the misconception that anyone can do any job. PEOPLE ARE NOT EQUAL!!! It would be dangerous for someone who is mentally or physically unable to be placed on a submarine. However it depends on the autistic person's situation. With medical advances autistic people have many resources and although they still have the condition, some can go on to live relativley normal lives. Also, some autistic people are experts in fields such as math. If the job involved calculating coordinates and what not I'd say go to her.

Answer 6

You have to be in the Navy to serve on submarines. A person with autism could not get into the Navy. He/she would not pass the medical exams.

Answer 7

Think about it this way. If someone doesn`t do their job in a submarine, the all goes to hell. Up to the toilet cleaners. Now if he`s in charge of missiles... And he`s not all there, imagine the catastrophe. Why bother keeping a psychologist on board when you can just find someone healthy?

Answer 8

yes i think they should be people with autism are usually very intelligent in one subject and it could be something that could help with submarines and hey Einstein had autism and he is like a math genius

Answer 9

If autistics can't function in life then they should be banned in
any armed services.

People with asperger syndrome can join in armed services
because they can easily function in life.

Answer 10

I'd rather have half a dozen gay personnel living in the sub then 1 person with autism.

Gay people know how to talk and communicate, Austistic people say something like da,da,da,da when questioned.

I personally hope for this countries sack, you don't "Go Navy".