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Army

dadsarmy
over 10 years ago

My son was diagnosed at 11, he has done remarkably well in his GCSE's but is determined to join the Army. He has always been interested in anything military, and even went through the first stage of the recruitment process. The gentleman that interviewed him was full of praise and admiration for the research, knowledge and his overall conduct during the interview. He also attended the fitness test and did well, we then had to fill in his medical details and hit the brick wall even though we had disclosed his diagnosis at interview and on all earlier paperwork. My son has noted that if his medical report regarding his diagnosis says that a further review would be of benefit when older that the army have to let him be reassessed before they turn him down. I know that he is probably not going to be allowed to join up but does anyone know of people being reassessed when older and if so how we would go about it.

Many thanks 

  • over 9 years ago

    I believe there is a strong link between autism and post traumatic stress disorder.

    My daughter looked at joining the army, she was undiagnosed. I was fearful for her future and discussed it with a doctor who had served in the army. She said that there was greater risk to a soldier's mind than there is for there physical wellbeing. She said that it is what they see and experience during combat that can do harm to their mental health.

    Given that people with asd have an above average risk of developing depression already, is this worth the risk.

    I think the army can attract young autistic people, because it is a disciplined life and often run to a strict regime. They can also show great courage in difficult situations, because of their ability to desociate from what is happening around them. But, there is often a delayed reaction, or tendancy to bottle up their distress within, where it can cause great suffering for a long period of time.

  • over 9 years ago

    Hi,

    I'm a 19 year old Autie currently in the recruitment process with the British Army. The Army advised me that I will need strong support from my GP whilst in the recruitment process to prove that I am capable of being a soldier within the British Army. May I ask did your son declare his Autism on his ONQ?

    Many thanks,

    Harry.

  • over 10 years ago

    Autism is a lifelong neurological condition, you don't grow out of it.  The only issue would be is if he was misdiagnosed as autistic and has something else instead.  Although whatever that might be could also prevent him joining up.  You may find this interesting:

    http://www.arrse.co.uk/join-army-regular-officer-recruiting/156814-officer-aspergers-syndrome.html

    "I'm an aspie and I'm in the TA so no there is no bar to joinging the army with aspergers - no matter what they tell you at the careers information office. Just make sure that your son is honest about it and there shouldn't be a problem. There is a thread on the recruiting forum about aspegers you might want to read:

    http://www.arrse.co.uk/rhq-personnel...gers-army.html

    I'm not an officer but if you have any questions, PM me."

    http://www.army.mod.uk/join/20157.aspx

    (BTW if no-one ever challenges staff who are mistaken, then people can be prevented from doing something they rightfully can.)