Exempt those with autism from NS

I refer to the recent reports and readers' responses about the coroner's inquiry into the death of a full-time national serviceman with schizophrenia.

I worry for my own nephew who turns 16 this year and will be registering for national service soon.

He is mildly autistic and has been put on lifelong medication by doctors from the Singapore General Hospital for his condition.

I hope his future commanders understand what the condition entails.

People with this condition cannot usually take pressure and stress; they may turn violent and use sharp objects to hurt themselves or others.

I hope the authorities will seriously consider not calling up those with autism and schizophrenia for NS.

From Reader Vivian Ho

This article was published on April 21 in The New Paper.

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