Patchy.Inc wrote:
EverViolet116 wrote:
I know you are looking for information on how to go about getting rid of your diagnosis, I don't know how to do that, but I would suggest talking to a professional psychologist or psychiatrist as I believe that is how someone is diagnosed/tested in the first place. If I'm incorrect on that someone please correct me. Thanks!
First I'd like to applaud you for your desire to join the Military as a Combat Medic. That's a very admirable decision. Although I disagree with the reasons you used for why you think you're not Autistic. I'm sure you have heard this a million times, but Autism is a spectrum. We aren't all alike. There is a stereotype of people with Autism being antisocial and unable to operate well with others or under pressure, but it isn't always true. I personally am social and enjoy talking with my friends and making new ones. I am also popular with people among whom I share interests, and I work well with others. I typically work best under pressure, and I am very adaptable to environments and routines. I am still Autistic though. You might not have Autism, especially if it was a diagnosis solely based on your lack of speech until the age of three. I would strongly suggest obtaining your original diagnosis paperwork, it should include notes on what exact behaviours you exhibited that they viewed as fitting with the diagnosis of Autism. Asperger's is no longer an official term I believe, but if you do have Autism I'm guessing you would be in the high-functioning range that used to fall under that term. In general, online tests aren't reliable because you are essentially assessing yourself, it's really important to talk to a professional in person.
No matter what happens, talk to a professional and also get your official diagnosis paperwork, if you do that, most of your questions will be answered. You might even get un-diagnosed if that's possible. Although, Autistic individuals can join the military as long as they are able to perform their duties, so that shouldn't be an issue.
I hope your family is supportive in your journey and you succeed as a Combat Medic.
Thank you for the information! What if I'm not able to get my hands on these files? What then?
As long as your parents help you, you can can get them from wherever you were diagnosed. For instance I was diagnosed at a therapy center for children so I went to them and requested a copy of my file. You will need the files to get disability accomodations in college so if you are considering doing a hybrid of military and college your parents would have to request them eventually anyway. This means that, even if they disagree with your desire to get rid of your diagnosis, you still have a chance of getting them to help. You might even be able to do it on your own. (Military+College is actually really cool, they help you pay for your education and then you have a degree if you retire from your military career plus you can start it in high school, just make sure to disclose that you have been diagnosed with high functioning Autism)
It's interesting to read that information, very eye-opening. At least for me. That being said, if for some reason you are unable to obtain the files, try to find out from your parents exactly what the doctor said about your behaviour (other than the lack of speech). It's not strictly necessary to know this information, but it is helpful in gaining a fuller picture of why you were diagnosed with Autism. Most importantly set up an appointment with a professional who, idealy, is experienced with Autism to see about your diagnosis. He/she may be able to shed light on why you have the diagnosis, or they might agree with you and get you started on the path to getting rid of it. I'm pretty sure this process is expensive, so save up some money, just in case.
Once again, I don't know much about this so if anyone knows better, please correct me.
10 Aug 2020, 8:00 pm
