Published on 12, July, 2020
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
after some further research it seems that he may still be able to join as they tend to take it on a case by case basis, I was just in an online chat on the army website and they advised to phone and discuss with them
Does he have any friends? Infantry is ALL about teamwork and banter and rough and tumble - if he's not 'the right stuff', it will be HELL for him until he is kicked out.
You’re asking the wrong question. “Can I have the diagnosis overturned?” Not if he is autistic.
You can’t just overturn a diagnosis because you no longer want it to apply.
If you think it no longer applies then trying to get him reassessed might be an option.
you say your son is adamant he doesn't have ASD, is he only saying that though as he know the diagnosis will stop of from being aloud to join? How does he cope with authority and change, army life even though very structured can be the total opposite, things can change in a millisecond.
Its also not an autistic friendly environment and within good reasons, i know from experience as when i was 15 i did a 2 week experience course(of which i recommend as it will give him an idea of what its like) I was also in the reserves/TA bout 10 years back and i found it very challenging, which is why i left.
Weirdly i still tried to join the regulars a few times after that and still wish i could join as there is many things about the army i love but i have to admit to myself that it is definitely something i cant do.
I dont mean to be negative and im not trying to deter your son from following his dream, if he goes for it the I wish him all the luck and will have the upmost respect for him as i do for all our members of forces.
sorry but thats bad advice, if they find out he was diagnosed and didn't tell them he will be dishonourably discharged and possibly in a lot of trouble for it. Plus if he truly is autistic and in a war zone, he could potentially have a meltdown a put people's lives at risk
dont tell them. if they ask he can say they are wrong. let me in. once in he will be fine. If need be join the TA for a while until he gets his fitness up.