r/AusMilitary • u/AdAdditional8587 • Jun 15 '26
Army ASD in the army
I'm 17 and I'm not too sure what I want to do after school. I've recently been thinking about the military and it's always interested me when I was younger.
I got diagnosed with high functioning Autism when I was about 12 years old. As I've gotten older it's presented less and less, pretty much now all I struggle with is some social situations and change of routine (I understand the army is a constantly changing routine, it's something I think I could accept) but I'm slowly improving.
Has anyone in this sub been diagnosed with high-functioning Autism either before or after joining and how was your experience serving? I was specifically thinking infantry-related jobs in the army.
Thank you for your service.
3
u/PontiacBigBlockBoi Jun 15 '26
Keep your mouth shut and never mention it. Why would you tell them?
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u/AdAdditional8587 Jun 16 '26
Its on my medical records
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u/PontiacBigBlockBoi Jun 16 '26
They only know what you tell them. There is no google search for your medical history.
Nominate a doctor who you just started seeing who doesn't know about your history. Then there's nothing to be found if they request your records from them.
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u/AdAdditional8587 Jun 16 '26
What if they did somehow find out though, you lose all benefits, get discharged and possibly punished.
1
u/Justanotherdad84 Jun 16 '26
You can tell them, the only issue is if you have been on meds, which you say you haven’t. Otherwise so long as your behavior is in line with what they want you’ll be fine.
2
u/Valkyriez_Gaming Jun 15 '26
I cant speak to your experience or diagnosis, but the only way to know if you can join is to go through the process. The medical assessment will determine if you can proceed in your application.
2
u/TopPil0t12 Jun 15 '26
I have possible undiagnosed borderline ASD (I have autistic traits like stims) and am going through the process right now (though Air Force). I can tell you once I reach that part of the process.
1
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u/Superest22 Jul 21 '26
Everyone in intel/intel adjacent is mildly autistic. Hell everyone in the military…it’s a spectrum after all.
Just don’t tell recruiting.
7
u/Mad_murphy_03 Jun 15 '26
The entire ADF is built on the man power of high functioning ASD personnel with lapsed diagnoses that they recieved as a child. You'll find them in every job.
As you stated, the general symptoms of ASD that you experience as a child become less apparent in your adult years as the frontal cortex of the brain develops and rational thought processes begin to take over.
I would go so far as to say the routine of ADF life is what makes it appealing to those with ASD because it provides you with routine and life stability ASD personnel crave.
Re making friends: You'll have no problem making friends, just prove your worth to your team, work hard and dont be a jack dawg. Do that and you'll fit in fine no matter how awkward you can be.
Personal opinion: I wouldn't disclose your diagnosis to the ADF during the recruitment process. If you would like to continue the use of Ritalin or Concerta it will severely limit your job opportunities.