We are in process of having our 8 yes old son assessed for learning difficulties and discovered that he has ADHD and ASD (Autism). I was wondering what this would mean for him if we move back to Switzerland in terms of future ability to participate in the Swiss military training?
It was something I have been excited for him about for years, and he has thought it would be so cool as his uncle got to do it etc, but his dad missed out due to severe leg injury, but am now questioning whether he is even eligible or would he be excluded if he has this diagnosed disability?
Thanks for letting me know...my brain is in overdrive thinking through all the implications for him and his future possibilities...so thought to ask this question... I will be asking plenty more in other posts about what the support services for ADHD and ASD are like in public schools/special schools and later into employment as that all really worries me about coming back now
We would be moving back to Vaud near Nyon/Geneva area.
Thanks for any input
I understand all recruits go through a thorough physical examination before being admitted. You would probably need to wait for this examination before knowing if he can join. If he is lucky, he may have grown out of his difficulties by then, or at least mastered them to a point that he is no longer seriously disadvantaged.
However, if he is really motivated, why not tell the recruiting officer that. Maybe there are certain jobs or tasks where his learning difficulties can be overcome, or where special skills that he has can be a valuable bonus.
It's far too early to tell. Concentrate on the now and the best possible schooling for him. You're going to have enough difficult bridges to cross before he turns 18.
It is a long way a way for now... My son has Asperger syndrome and he was required to disclose it as part of the process and it was an automatic exclusion. Which did not matter to him as he had no desire to join up.
Personally I'd be with your husband. Having been in the military (not the Swiss army), knowing the dangers and the crap that young men do, it is the last thing I'd want to expose a person with an autism spectrum problem to that.
Mistakes are made and soldiers die, even in Switzerland.