Written Reply by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing on 3 Nov 2026 to Parliamentary Question on Nsf Who Seek Support for Neurodivergent Conditions

From 2021 to 2025, an average of around 970 full-time national servicemen (NSFs) were diagnosed with or had sought support for neurodivergent conditions each year. These conditions include but are not limited to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism.

To enable NSFs with neurodivergent conditions to be meaningfully engaged and contribute during their full-time National Service (NS), the Ministry of Defence takes into account the nature and severity of their conditions, as well as their social, vocational, and academic functioning. This informs their medical grading at pre-enlistment screening and assignment to suitable Basic Military Training (BMT) programmes and vocations.

While in full-time NS, commanders check in with their NSFs regularly and provide avenues for them to raise concerns. Where additional support is required, their commanders work closely with SAF psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors to provide appropriate support, including helping these NSFs develop interpersonal and vocational skills.

NSFs who face difficulties coping with their duties may have their medical fitness reviewed and be redeployed to more suitable roles where necessary, so that they can continue to contribute meaningfully to NS.