Getting Diagnosed While in Military?

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Hello,

So I've seen several things about the military and ASD but I haven't seen anything about what I want to know which is:

If I pursued an ASD/Aspergers diagnosis, would I get discharged from the military?

I've been in the military for four years (US Air Force) and I do okay with it. I strongly suspect that I have ASD, and figured this out about 6-7 mo ago. Does anybody know anything about this? Or should I pursue diagnosis for the comorbids, like severe anxiety, depression, etc? Or just wait it out completely? I'm not sure if they would qualify it as hiding medical history or anything, but I honestly didn't figure it out until recently.

I do know the U.S. military will no longer accept anyone who has Asperger's or any ASD (Since 09 I believe)
You also are exempt from the draft.

This is due to the fact that us aspies have trouble with social interactions and emotions.

I've read and heard reports of people getting the boot for it.
But I honestly I wouldn't bother, unless it was ordered.

Yeah, I figured I would get kicked out for that. And with a wife and daughter, while still going to school, that is definitely not something I want to do.

I guess the only reason why I want to pursue a diagnosis is because I feel like I need to validate myself to everyone. I know a lot of people in the community do not support self-dxing, but I guess that will have to do for now! It isn't for the community that I want to get a diagnosis, mind you. It is mostly for my family. I haven't even told them (which makes it tricky to ask information about your childhood without them knowing), and I don't know that my father would accept that I had ASD. He is a very "it's all in your head, you're just shy" kind of person (not that he isn't a loving and supportive father).

I don't know for sure if you would get discharged, but it wouldn't surprise me.
I mean depression diagnosis is enough to do it.

My dad is like that too and I am sick of it! (i'm 29)
Though my grandma (his mom) is worse because she is determine to fix and cure me before she dies...
I live with here until I can get a job and move out (just graduated from college this summer).

I'd rather someone give me it's in your head speech than trying to fix me at all costs.

I can't imagine how rough that would be. I am sorry you are in this situation. It is a shame that some people can be so close-minded.

Thanks, but isn't that bad.
I mean it doesn't really bother me for the most part.

The worst part is I made it to 25 before I was diagnosed, mid way through my bachelor's which really did a number on my life and college years (I did just complete masters in IT management)
It took a massive near complete breakdown for me to get the medical help.
I'm glad I did it, it explains/explained so much about my life and all the troubles I've repeatedly have.
In my case I will never be home free and regularly deal with clinical depression and anxiety.
Hopefully I won't developer any more mental issues for a long time (my mom just found out it is on her side of the family when she met her biological mom a few years ago and gained medial records).

My opinion, if you have a mild form of AS (and none of the mental health that comes with) that doesn't cause you too much trouble, then just let it be and go for a diagnosis when you retire or leave the military.

If you have a severe/strong form that comes with mental health (such as extreme anxiety, sleep issues, clinical depression, borderline schitzo, etc...) then you should seek help ASAP (like me).

I hope didn't derail your topic... (I'm been unnerved and suffering from strong anxiety this week over an interview).

I don't mind the derailing at all. I certainly enjoy hearing about others' experiences.

It is because of having severe anxiety (general? and social) as well as depression that I've considered going into Mental Health. I mean, I can always get seen for those now so that I can at least get help for those things.

Thank you for telling me about your experiences though. I don't ever get to talk to people like myself. I mean, my wife "gets it" but she's NT so it is hard for her to truly understand. Don't get me wrong though, she is the most patient and caring and compassionate person ever and I am very lucky to have her in my life. I would be in a much worse state if not for her, I think.

Feel free to PM if you want to continue this conversation.

I know the pain of being the Aspie in the sea of NTs no matter how caring they maybe.
They just don't get it and I don't know to explain it.

Hi,

I also was Air Force & retired after 20. I had difficulty with anxiety/stress also and used mental health for treatment from about year 6 thru 15. I was put on maintenance dose of an old anti-depression/anxiety med called elival (not sure spelling). I just reported it honestly as I went along and was able to retain a secret clearance. The med also helped though there are now much better for anxiety. Eventually I was prescribed same med for tension headaches and so the mental health aspect faded out.

A also began to suspect a minor case of ASD very late in the game, but after Air Force and later Army Civilian employment.

I researched it about a year ago and found ASD disqualifies you from military service and would result in a medical board discharge. There is an exception in the regs if you get a waiver, but I think it may be nearly impossible to get. I never heard of one granted yet, but I do not know how to find out if any/how many were granted.

If you don't have a diagnosis you are fine, so I suggest you leave it be unless it becomes something that affects your ability to do your job and you wish to investigate the possibility. But again if it turns out to be the case it would likely mean discharge.

Good luck

P.S. I think its ok to seek medical assistance for the anxiety, etc. Those things do come on more with age often, and meds can be a great help and may make things much more manageable. Many, many people of all types have these issues and not something to be ashamed of. Its something you have to see how it goes.