Autism and SF

[CrocodileMan]

Hey everyone,

I really need some advice from people with experience. I'd especially love to hear from SF operators but anyone with knowledge is appreciated.

I'm 26 civ and I'm interested in joining the Australian SF. I believe I have the skills and determination needed. However, I am autistic -- I was diagnosed with ADHD and OCD as a kid. Im not medicated or in treatment, im very high functioning. In fact I'm about to complete an associate degree in engineering at a full time study load whilst simultaneously working 6 half-days a week.

The only thing is I am socially awkward and socially anxious. The anxiety is purely social though -- I work well under pressure and in dangerous conditions (I have a lot of experience in dangerous and strenuous work roles such as crocodile egg-collecting and pet-meating).

I understand the SF is not a place for snowflakes and I dont expect nor want special treatment. I can roll with the punches and put up with anything. I just want to know if the SF can put up with me and my awkwardness.

So I just want to know, is there a place for someone like me in the SF?

Thanks for your time!

 

[Steve1839]

So I just want to know, is there a place for someone like me in the SF?

I'm retired USSF, stepfather of an autistic adult son, husband of a woman on the spectrum...without going into specifics, without question, I would say the answer is no.

 

[CrocodileMan]

I'm retired USSF, stepfather of an autistic adult son, husband of a woman on the spectrum...without going into specifics, without question, I would say the answer is no.

Thanks for your reply. Man, that is hard for me to hear. I want it really bad. Im no dew drop. I've got the grit. But you think because Im socially awkward I'm not a good fit? I don't even know what else to do with my life. I need mental and physical challenges and a high octane environment.

 

[Steve1839]

But you think because Im socially awkward I'm not a good fit?

Unless you are very different from those I know, grey areas are problematic, and grey areas are where SF tends to operate...

 

[CrocodileMan]

Unless you are very different from those I know, grey areas are problematic, and grey areas are where SF tends to operate...

I see what you mean. Autistic people are very literal and often struggle with ambiguity, needing very specific instructions. I don't think this is something I struggle with, I'm very adaptable and creative. My main concern is really just the social environment. When I meet new people I seem quite awkward and anxious, and I know SF ops are expected to be 100% chill at all times. Do you think I would be disqualified for this?

 

[Steve1839]

Do you think I would be disqualified for this?

I don't know. All you can do is try. If disqualified from the Special Forces is the case, there are other ways to serve...light infantry, para units, etc.

 

[Devildoc]

There are definitely people on the spectrum in the military, but I'd say to a person undiagnosed. An official diagnosis is almost always a disqualifier.

 

[Cookie_]

There are definitely people on the spectrum in the military, but I'd say to a person undiagnosed.

My wife's a BCBA. I swear she says "I'm not allowed to diagnose, but..." about roughly every 5th or 6th person she meets from the unit. She's joked that if she goes back for her PHD her dissertation would be on the rates of (undiagnosed) Level 1 Autism in the military.

L1 autism is what used to be Aspergers; basically just your weird/awkward kids that got poor communication skills and specific routines. Her idea is that a large number of people who never got treatment as kids are drawn to the military because it standardizes communication and tasks for them.

 

[Devildoc]

My wife's a BCBA. I swear she says "I'm not allowed to diagnose, but..." about roughly every 5th or 6th person she meets from the unit. She's joked that if she goes back for her PHD her dissertation would be on the rates of (undiagnosed) Level 1 Autism in the military.

L1 autism is what used to be Aspergers; basically just your weird/awkward kids that got poor communication skills and specific routines. Her idea is that a large number of people who never got treatment as kids are drawn to the military because it standardizes communication and tasks for them.

We all know it, we've all seen it, and we all joke about it. I would love to see a for real study of undiagnosed autism /spectrum in the military.

My oldest son is on the spectrum, and I have no doubt that if he wanted to join, he could. But he would be eaten alive because he is just weird enough he would be singled out.

 

[AWP]

IF you have a desire to serve, IF the military (regardless of branch) allows you to serve, IF you can function in society but are willing to be that "different" guy in your unit socially, I would strongly, strongly, strongly advise doing something technical. Electronics, cyber, IT, intel analysis (stay away from collecting), etc. I'd stay away from mechanical roles and probably steer you away from admin roles because your exposure to people will increase substantially. Mechanical and construction fields are super hard on people, that's a rough crowd.

The fields above allow you operate in black and white terms where solutions are flow charts, manuals, test equipment, etc. They aren't judgement calls, dealing with people decisions, or gray area thinking (as pointed above).

Good luck.

 

[CrocodileMan]

Thanks everyone for your input