I feel thankful that concrete steps have been done to improve the employment situation in people with ASDs/autism, especially through E2C, the employment and employability centre for people with autism. I think, though, they lead to careers in the private sector, with MNCs/large multinational companies who wish to improve CSR/corporate social responsibility records, or local SMEs/small and medium enterprises who want to fill up employment quotas with better imaging. But more can be done, especially that, to the best of my knowledge, the government and GLCs/government-linked companies makes up around 60% of our national GDP.
I do wish I get a government or government-related job. I had not served conscription due to my own choice, though I now think different, I am open to serve in a non-combat role. Besides that, this leaves me with a question on my mind: Will Singaporeans with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome ever be competent enough to hold a job in the Civil Service, given that the Civil Service may discourage potential people with autism to apply, with the wording on part M of a form I read: "Have you suffered, or are suffering from any medical condition, illness, disease, mental illness or physical impairment?"
I have developed depression and psychosis, on top of Asperger's Syndrome and AD/HD that I had since childhood.
From my experience with Pathlight School, I believe Pathlight School is full of students with energy and zest for learning, caring and sharing. I also learn a lot from them, and I hope to care and share to my nation. It would be a great disappointment, if they, and other competent students with ASDs, know that they cannot apply to be a teacher or a administrative officer in a government ministry, with their conditions.
If I cannot serve in my country's government, then eventually, I will accept my situation as it is, and be content with the private sector, some companies having no such restrictions in employment. However, I still care for those with Autism - to be a civil servant, either they have to lie about not having autism, or give up their dream totally.
I do wish I get a government or government-related job. I had not served conscription due to my own choice, though I now think different, I am open to serve in a non-combat role. Besides that, this leaves me with a question on my mind: Will Singaporeans with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome ever be competent enough to hold a job in the Civil Service, given that the Civil Service may discourage potential people with autism to apply, with the wording on part M of a form I read: "Have you suffered, or are suffering from any medical condition, illness, disease, mental illness or physical impairment?"
I have developed depression and psychosis, on top of Asperger's Syndrome and AD/HD that I had since childhood.
From my experience with Pathlight School, I believe Pathlight School is full of students with energy and zest for learning, caring and sharing. I also learn a lot from them, and I hope to care and share to my nation. It would be a great disappointment, if they, and other competent students with ASDs, know that they cannot apply to be a teacher or a administrative officer in a government ministry, with their conditions.
If I cannot serve in my country's government, then eventually, I will accept my situation as it is, and be content with the private sector, some companies having no such restrictions in employment. However, I still care for those with Autism - to be a civil servant, either they have to lie about not having autism, or give up their dream totally.
