Serving Differently: Pioneering the Inclusion of Autism in the Greek Military

Cureus. 2026 Feb 11;18(2):e103421. doi: 10.7759/cureus.103421. eCollection 2026 Feb.

ABSTRACT

Autism spectrum disorders are typically considered a disqualifying factor for military service due to their high demands on the environment. This case study describes the implementation of a social skills training program for a military candidate with Asperger’s syndrome. The intervention employed four strategies: Social Stories, which used structured scenarios to teach appropriate social responses; Social Autopsy, which analyzed real-life interactions to identify strengths and areas for improvement; Role-Playing, which provided guided practice of social interactions; and a Cardboard Game, designed to promote empathy and perspective-taking. An individualized plan was created to enhance emotional intelligence and core social communication skills during military service. Following the intervention, the participant demonstrated improvements in social communication and increased self-confidence. Though this is a single-case study, its findings suggest that targeted social skills interventions can enable autistic individuals to participate successfully in structured environments such as the military. The expansion of similar programs can be used to foster integration, personal development, and inclusion in settings that were previously restrictive.

PMID:41835627 | PMC:PMC12988690 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.103421