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Joining the Army

Matthew

Hi, my name is Matthew. I'm 27 and I have autism. I'm really interested in joining the Army but I've read that they don't accept autistic people which I disagree with as I think due to our excellent observation, honesty, loyalty and dedication a lot of us would be perfectly suited. Maybe I'm wrong in that but I'm sure some would do amazingly in the Army. I think I would.

I'm really intent on joining but my diagnosis of autism is a problem. I'm tempted to try and get the diagnosis removed but I don't know who to ask about that and worry it will not be removed.

I've always dreamed of being in the Army and now I feel crushed that I can't.

Parents
  • Matthew said:
    I'm really intent on joining but my diagnosis of autism is a problem. I'm tempted to try and get the diagnosis removed

    Well that is a problem.

    There is a reason the army discriminate against neurodivergents and that is because we are not reliable under the sort of pressure that battle situations can put you under. When it comes to a matter of life and death and you are huddled in the corner with a sensory meltdown from the explosions around you then you become a risk to others who are counting on you.

    Trying to get the diagnosis removed in order to get the position is tantamount to fraud and puting your colleagues lifes in risk, so please don't do this.

    It isn't all doom and gloom though - look at their policy:

    https://british-army.career-inspiration.com/app/discussions/view/90233/what-is-the-recruitment-policy-for-people-with-autism

    They will review it on a case by case basis, so if you really are low risk then you may well get in. I suspect they will have access to your medical records including notes of any changes made and a deliberate attempt to mislead them could lead to a criminal case agains you.

    It is better to be honest than risk a potential conviction for lying to the army on your application.

    Instead - look at what attracts you to the career. Is it the weapons, the uniform, travel, the exercise, the teamwork etc - work with these any you may find you are well suited to a different role.

Reply
  • Matthew said:
    I'm really intent on joining but my diagnosis of autism is a problem. I'm tempted to try and get the diagnosis removed

    Well that is a problem.

    There is a reason the army discriminate against neurodivergents and that is because we are not reliable under the sort of pressure that battle situations can put you under. When it comes to a matter of life and death and you are huddled in the corner with a sensory meltdown from the explosions around you then you become a risk to others who are counting on you.

    Trying to get the diagnosis removed in order to get the position is tantamount to fraud and puting your colleagues lifes in risk, so please don't do this.

    It isn't all doom and gloom though - look at their policy:

    https://british-army.career-inspiration.com/app/discussions/view/90233/what-is-the-recruitment-policy-for-people-with-autism

    They will review it on a case by case basis, so if you really are low risk then you may well get in. I suspect they will have access to your medical records including notes of any changes made and a deliberate attempt to mislead them could lead to a criminal case agains you.

    It is better to be honest than risk a potential conviction for lying to the army on your application.

    Instead - look at what attracts you to the career. Is it the weapons, the uniform, travel, the exercise, the teamwork etc - work with these any you may find you are well suited to a different role.

Children
  • in reply to Iain

    Although it is difficult for me personally to see why the Army is appealing, I am glad that they now look on a case by case basis.  Whilst sensory overload, I can imagine, could be a major problem for some autistic people, that's not necessarily the case.  Some Autistic folk might be hypo rather than hyper sensitive, and as much as some panic in situations where an NT would not, the opposite is also true.  We are capable of being calm, logical, decisive and dispassionate in situations where NTs would be too overcome by emotion.  I know I've experienced that before in emergencies.

    Apply anyway, be honest and let the Army assess.  If they won't take you are there other jobs of that ilk that you might be suited for, say Ministry of Defence civilian roles or the police?