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Autism and the army

NAS64753

Hi all! 
first post and I need some advice.  Sorry if it’s in the wrong place.

my son is 15 and has an ASD diagnosis.  He’s determined to join the army in the infantry and adamant he doesn’t have ASD.

to be honest I think the army is the best thing for him. My question is can I have his ASD overturned? He’s much more communicative now and makes eye contact (I understand this can be learned behaviour) Can I go private? Or would it have to be NHS (which made the diagnosis)

Can anyone give advice please? I’m going to make an appointment with his gp tomorrow.

has anyone been successful in getting an ASD diagnosis overturned?

TIA

Nicola

Parents

  • He definitely has autism.  But has improved regarding social and communication which is learned behaviour.

    I just think he will thrive in the army.  He’s over 6ft, physically capable and one of the lads’.  He’s very popular and really funny.

    The comment about boredom worries me though as he loves to torment people for reaction when he’s bored.  He’s also not bothered about saying what he thinks although now he’s learned to curb it if he knows it will stop him getting what he wants.

    Thanks to all for your helpful replies.  I’ve tried to comment on them individually but I can’t for some reason.

Reply

  • He definitely has autism.  But has improved regarding social and communication which is learned behaviour.

    I just think he will thrive in the army.  He’s over 6ft, physically capable and one of the lads’.  He’s very popular and really funny.

    The comment about boredom worries me though as he loves to torment people for reaction when he’s bored.  He’s also not bothered about saying what he thinks although now he’s learned to curb it if he knows it will stop him getting what he wants.

    Thanks to all for your helpful replies.  I’ve tried to comment on them individually but I can’t for some reason.

Children
  • in reply to NAS64753

    He's definitely got autism as you have said so 100% do not withhold that from the application as its on his medical records and that alone will stop him from getting in due to lying, also he needs to ask himself how he deals with stressful situations as he will be under huge amounts of stress at numerous times in the military.

    Also i am not being negative I am giving realistic advice which is coming from experience and yes i am fully aware the we are not all the same.

    Like i commented previously you should think about chatting with the army themselves as they will have more answers, just be open and honest about all he strengths and weaknesses.

    Word of warning though he may need to prepare himself to be told he can not serve as a front line role.