IEP automatically disqualify for the Military?

[coffeemom]

Hi.....after searching for weeks, I am hoping I can find the correct answers. My son is 17, has ADHD and learning disabilities (mostly Math). He takes Vyvanse for his ADHD and has had an IEP since 1st grade.

He want to go into The Marines and we learned about him needing to be off his meds for one year before he can apply.

Then I recently read that if an applicant has had an IEP (after a certain grade) they are automatically disqualified. I was broken hearted and read some more. Then I discovered that he might be able to get a "Waiver"??

We have not gone and talked to a recruiter yet, because many have told us that they will always just say everything will be fine and then find out later it's not.

My son is a great kid...... no school issues, he has a job and is doing well. Any input is greatly appreciated!

Thanks

[bros]

Here is a previous discussion on the topic - millermom.proboards.com/thread/11998

[healthy11]

Coffeemom, I just want to welcome you to the "posting" side of the forum. I think many of us who are "regular contributors" sometimes wonder if we're "talking among ourselves," so it's great to hear from people like yourself, who are still researching/reading our responses, albeit quietly "in the background."

Bros, thanks for finding the past link. It sound like if he gets a regular H.S. diploma, or even his GED, rather than an IEP "certificate of completion" then coffeemom's son should be able to apply to the military if he meets their other criteria.

[coffeemom]

Thanks! He will be getting a regular HS diploma.

So, does he have to wait the full year after going off his meds to even start the application process? I am still reading through the links and I will probably have more questions

Also, he is going to take the ASVAB at school.....does that not really "count" because he would be medicated?

[healthy11]

I suspect the "don't ask, don't tell" military approach applies as far as the ASVAB...I doubt there's any question on it that will ask if he's using prescription medications when taking the test, so his scores will probably not be challenged. On the other hand, I don't know how the military determines how long an applicant has been "off" of a medication other than by having the applicant answer some kind of medical questionnaire, but that may not come until after a person formally enlists. I'm thinking it's a "general question" that you could call up a recruitment office and ask, without giving any personally identifiable information. (Maybe make the call at work, or from someplace other than your home phone, in case they have caller id.)

[coffeemom]

His school counselor said the ASVAB at school is not the "official one" and doesn't count?

[healthy11]

It sounds like the ASVAB process is different now, and more than just a single test. If the following links don't give you enough information, I'd definitely ask a recruiter (and inquire about the medication issue at the same time.)
www.asvabprogram.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=overview.main and
www.asvabprogram.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=overview.test

[bros]

Looking at this from a year ago, one year off ADHD meds seems to be true - at least reading what vets are saying

[coffeemom]

So, the ASVAB is different than the Military entrance exam, correct? No matter how much I read, some of this is still confusing to me.....LOL

Anyone know the answer to my earlier question about if my son has to wait the whole year after meds BEFORE even starting the process to apply?

[healthy11]

Unfortunately, I don't know of anyone on this forum who has recent experience with a child enlisting in the Marines. (Perhaps they're "lurking" out there, and haven't posted before, but I wouldn't "hold my breath.") Sites like
www.add-treatment.com/adhd-in-military.html and
www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/801.html and
answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=A0LEVjIsxbNWqioAGC4nnIlQ;_ylu=X3oDMTByMDgyYjJiBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMyBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzYw--?qid=20110510093225AAxbu9e&p=marines ADHD medication
don't give "set in stone, black/white answers," but they are encouraging... again, it's probably best to speak to a recruiter.

[coffeemom]

Thanks! We haven't gone to a recruiter, because I was hesitant until I was armed with more info. I will keep you posted when I find out anything.

[sgk]

I know I am super late with this response (I don't really frequent the boards much anymore), but more than a few of my kids with IEPs over the years have entered the military, and some are still in the military now. The bigger issue has always been the meds. In the past, I've had to write letters for some of the kids to help them, and in others, the kids had to prove that they have not been on meds for x-amount of time. Hopefully, by now, you've talked to a recruiter, because if your son has to go without meds for a specific amount of time, my opinion is that the sooner he knows, the better, so he can plan out what he is going to do, even if it turns out it isn't the military.