Joining with Aspergers?

[TechnicPR]

Hi, Before I get any of the comments... I have searched for answers to this but they are all relatively old and the new medical form doesn't say that this is a an issue that would stop me joining where as the old forms do so I don't know if it has just been missed out. So does a diagnosis of Aspergers mean I cant join?

For context I was 8 years old when diagnosed and now believe that it was incorrect and am currently in the process with my GP to be re-tested and have the diagnosis removed as I have no traits or signs of it or anything. Can I still join with the diagnosis or would I need to wait until the testing team decide I dont have it and wait for it to be taken off my record before submitting my medical form?

If its best to wait until its removed, can my application be put on hold or do I need to cancel it and reapply?

Thanks in advance

 

[fishhead]

@TechnicPR . currently there is no-one contributing to the forum who can give you the definitive answer to your query. The foolproof way to find the answer is to make your application and take it through to the medical stage. If your diagnosis on your records is a problem you will be contacted . If you are denied entry you can appeal the decision and demonstrate with the help of your GP why the diagnosis was incorrect etc. It may add time to your application period but you will find out one way or the other.
Good luck with your application.

 

[soleil]

Hi, Before I get any of the comments... I have searched for answers to this but they are all relatively old and the new medical form doesn't say that this is a an issue that would stop me joining where as the old forms do so I don't know if it has just been missed out. So does a diagnosis of Aspergers mean I cant join?

For context I was 8 years old when diagnosed and now believe that it was incorrect and am currently in the process with my GP to be re-tested and have the diagnosis removed as I have no traits or signs of it or anything. Can I still join with the diagnosis or would I need to wait until the testing team decide I dont have it and wait for it to be taken off my record before submitting my medical form?

If its best to wait until its removed, can my application be put on hold or do I need to cancel it and reapply?

Thanks in advance

TPR

I think that your case is one which will be sent to the Senior Medical Officer (Service Entry) for consideration.

I'm going to ask Ninja_Stoker to comment on your question - he has replied to similar ones before and is the best person to ask.

 

[TechnicPR]

Just a quick update, After looking a bit more online I found the MODs Joint Service Testing Standards (Attached) and appears that you can still join as long as it is either A) Completely non-disabling or B) There is doubt on the initial diagnosis. You just need to do an additional assessment with a medical officer.

Will update when I get my results back.

- Click here for Medical Standards -

 

[soleil]

Just a quick update, After looking a bit more online I found the MODs Joint Service Testing Standards (Attached) and appears that you can still join as long as it is either A) Completely non-disabling or B) There is doubt on the initial diagnosis. You just need to do an additional assessment with a medical officer.

Will update when I get my results back.

- Click here for Medical Standards -

I don't think that your last sentence is a good description of how a case of this kind would be handled, as it sounds when written in that way that it is just a case of popping in for a chat with someone and then you're good to go.

What JSP 950 says is:

*****

Disorders of Psychological Development (F80-F89)

40. Candidates diagnosed with autism (F84) or similar disorders by a specialist autism service are normally graded UNFIT. Candidates diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome (F84.5) by a specialist autism service may appear unremarkable on examination but should normally be graded UNFIT. If there is doubt about the diagnosis or the condition is mild and does not cause disability, candidates should be referred to the single Service occupational physician responsible for Service entry. In cases of mild, entirely non-disabling Asperger’s Syndrome, the single Service occupational physician may advise single Service recruiting staff psychiatric assessment is not required. This because pre-entry tests of suitability for military life (eg selection interviews and tests) are as good a form of assessment as a psychiatric assessment.

*****

The paperwork would all be sent to the Senior Medical Officer (Service Entry) who looks at cases with a medical dimension for Captain Naval Recruiting.

Wait for Ninja to add a comment, he knows more about these things.

 

[DocH]

Just a quick update, After looking a bit more online I found the MODs Joint Service Testing Standards (Attached) and appears that you can still join as long as it is either A) Completely non-disabling or B) There is doubt on the initial diagnosis. You just need to do an additional assessment with a medical officer.

Will update when I get my results back.

- Click here for Medical Standards -

Worked with an RAF logs junior rating (SAC) who had Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which is the name these days as it turns out Asperger was a Nazi eugenicist, so he’s had the eponym stripped! He got in no worries but that was about 15 years ago he joined.

Anyway, apply and take it to Med appeal with supportive evidence from your GP and I’ve every faith you’ll get accepted.

Good luck

 

[Ninja_Stoker]

The above quote from JSP950, posted by @soleil is current & remains extant.

In short, any such diagnosis will routinely be graded Unfit but if you provide evidence of a potential misdiagnosis and submit it at the same time as you complete and submit your medical questionnaire the applicant will be placed Temporarily Medically Unfit (TMU) whilst it is referred to the Service Entry Medical Cell, which will very much shorten the process.

If, upon undertaking the selection interview by a qualified careers adviser, it is evident that the individual has significant adjustment issues and is unlikely to be able to cope without issue in a demanding, ever-changing service environment which requires teamwork, empathy and associated social traits without detriment to the individual or the service, then the welfare and wellbeing of the individual takes preference, rather than the preference of the individual.

My advice? Do the groundwork before applying rather than wait to go through the mill and the emotional turmoil it entails.

Best of luck.