Military Life

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So, does anyone out there know what the standard is on aspies in the military? I know that it isn't a mental disability, but what is the military's stance on it? I don't want to ask anyone here (where I am), due to the fact that there are obligations that Dr.s here have as far as reporting this stuff, so it limits my ability to even research it much. I've found someone who is interested in talking to me when I get back from my overseas "vacation."
I will be honest, I am not diagnosed, and am hesitant to get any diagnosis due to it affecting my retirement in less than a decade, but all indicators point to me having this due to things that didn't quite add up while I was growing up as well as significant matches on many of the symptoms (is that the right word?) I refuse to call myself "self diagnosed" because I don't want to claim that due to my subjectivity in the issue. If this is the case though I have had some serious benefits while doing my job as well as some issues, which I figured out how to deal with and come across as just a bit eccentric in ways (change, misreading people, not recognizing some of my counterparts that I am supposed to remember, etc.)
Anyway, back to the question. Does anyone have any insight in this matter? I hope that someone out there isn't intercepting this and tracking me down to can me, but this is a question that is becoming increasingly important to me.

Unlike ADD, the military doesn't have any specific stance regarding autism and/or Asperger's Syndrome. However, you can still be disqualified (you can possibly get a waiver for a disqualification) for anything psychological they believe could be a problem. Hence, it is on a case by case basis.

You will, unfortunately, go through a minor amount of paperwork hell. Your medical form asks, among other things, the following question:

"Have you ever had or do you now have..

(16) Seen a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, counselor or
other professional for any reason (inpatient or outpatient)
including counseling or treatment for school, adjustment,
family, marriage or any other problem, to include depression,
or treatment for alcohol, drug or substance abuse"

If this is the case, you are instructed to:

"Send all documentation relating to ANY past or present evaluation, treatment or consultation with a psychiatrist,
psychologist, counselor or therapist, on an inpatient or out-patient basis for any reason, including but not limited to
counseling or treatment for adjustment or mood disorder, family or marriage problem, depression, treatment or rehabilitation
for alcohol, drug or other substance abuse, directly from the treating clinician and/or hospital to the MEPS Chief Medical
Officer. The envelope must bear the following statement: "CONFIDENTIAL: FOR EYES OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER ONLY."

Good luck on getting that documentation. If you had an IEP in school, then they'll go over your history over the phone before deciding if it's worth sending you in for physical and mental evaluation. There's also the following question:

"(72)Taken medication, drugs, or any substance to improve
attention, behavior, or physical performance"

If so, you will have to provide that documentation as well.

The bottom line is that the process is complicated, there's no established standard procedure. Assuming your case has any merit (e.g. you got through school normally, have had no trouble with the law) then they will send you in for testing at MEPS like everyone else. You will receive additional questioning in regards to your medical history, and bases on that you may or may not be accepted. If you are disqualified for it, then you can attempt to get a waiver for it. Whether you get a waiver or not depends on your test scores (on the military's own test, the ASVAB) and physical performance, as well as the severity of the case.

If you're not diagnosed and haven't seen any psychologist/therapist, then there is no problem. They'll give you all the normal mental and physical tests, and then decide if you're fit to serve. You can't be disqualified based on "eccentricities", and a disqualification without a diagnosis is probably easier to waiver. If you're really fit to serve, then you will not fail the normal tests. As long as you perform normally in boot camp and beyond there would be no problem.

If you are diagnosed with autism while in the service, you may have to come before the medical review board. However, once you're in, they'll be much more reluctant to let you go, due to the investment that has been made in you. If you want to get diagnosed, do it in the service.

If you want me to send you links to some of the medical forms (they're very, very thorough and extensive) you would get, just say the word.

I think, if that is the case, I should be ok. No records of anything anyway. That, and I have been in over ten years now. I'll have to weigh this one carefully though.
Thanks for the input.

I am retired military. Just don't mention it and you should be fine.

Well, I will try to keep this updated periodically. Maybe someone else out there is in the military or thinking of joining it. I have to say, so far my favorite "job" in the military was an offshoot of infantry, reconnaissance. We got to work in very small groups and were able to work on our own with very little talking amoungst us or supervision. Now I am further up the chain (over ten years now) and am having to do a whole lot more interacting. I know everyone considers me a bit quirky, but I am at the top of the list, as far as my peers go, so they overlook it due to what I accomplish. Anyway, as I explore this subject, explore diagnosis, and figure this all out, I will try to update this. Once I get back from my time over here, in a hot foreign land, I will be able to figure this out better.
Talk (type?) to you all again later.

Lucky

As much fun as can be had over here.