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Original poster

Unable to get a mortgage/join army/police if you have ADHD or ASD?

66 replies

Whatevah · 23/01/2020 17:53

I have heard this from friends over the years. You can’t join the army/police if you have ADHD or ASD.
Recently someone close to me said they were told not to have their child officially diagnosed with ADHD as it might prevent them getting a mortgage?!
Now I’m worried as one of my kids is diagnosed with ASD. They are very ‘ normal’ , have friends, go to grammar school, have hobbies etc. Mad about their own special interests obviously Grin!
Just wondering if anyone has ever been turned down for a mortgage or job due to a diagnosis of these?
Had a look at police recruiting website and it said if you pass all the requirements and training and can fulfill the job requirements it wouldn’t be an issue?
Anyone come across this?
Thanks.

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 23/01/2020 17:58

I would have though ADHD would be an asset in a police role. Less risk averse, noticing details quickly, lots of change. Sounds great!

okiedokieme · 23/01/2020 17:59

Not true! No you can't join the army or police but mortgages relate to income not disability

okiedokieme · 23/01/2020 18:00

Ps I only know for sure about the forces, but they exclude anything that increases risk of anxiety and depression

MrsTerryPratchett · 23/01/2020 18:00

Why would they exclude every neuro diverse person regardless of presentation or severity? That's ridiculous. Hmm

Tretchikoff · 23/01/2020 18:09

My (now adult) son has ADHD fully diagnosed. He attended Army Cadets and now has a Help to buy ISA.
No declaration needed for the ISA and cadets already has two boys there with ADHD.
I did always declare it on holiday and house insurance. Not because it was required but for full disclosure. There was no increase in premiums.

RippleEffects · 23/01/2020 18:13

Our consultant said front line military roles would be ruled out with a diagnosis - but as DS has physical disabilities too that was not a likely route he'd have taken. Haven't come across the police one. I'd have thought DS (Autistic and ADHD) woud make a phenomenal detective his recall is amazing and attention to detail very good. He's probably going into cyber security though. I'd have thought it depends on the individual and their skill set not a spectrum diagnosis.

Original poster
Whatevah · 23/01/2020 18:14

Thank you for replies. I’d love to know for sure.
I would be furious if my son was refused any of these options! He is a complete star. Cook his own food. Contributes to the house work. Does as he is told. Attends school. Polite and well behaved.
It’s baffling.

OP posts:
leghairdontcare · 23/01/2020 18:14

I previously worked as a mortgage underwriter and It would be illegal to be decline a mortgage on the basis of a disability. Also there would be no way to know as mortgage applications don't ask for medical info.

Original poster
Whatevah · 23/01/2020 18:14

It’s the mortgage one in particular. Why would you be turned down??

OP posts:
itsgettingweird · 23/01/2020 18:15

I know if you have a ds of an ASC you cannot join the armed forces.

When my ds was diagnosed I has to sign a form and understanding this was part of what I signed for.

I don't remember police being on there or them mentioning it's hard to get a mortgage.

Grasspigeons · 23/01/2020 18:15

I think the armed forces are problematic. The police force has a 'police officers with autism group' so i think thats fine.

Wobba · 23/01/2020 18:17

You can't join the army but I have a mortgage and I have adhd and autism.

itsgettingweird · 23/01/2020 18:17

Ripple I was speaking to a local police inspector the other day (parent of a child from ds club). She was actually saying the same thing. Ds memory and ability to follow detail whilst also having a lack of emotional involvement would make him a fantastic police officer - and suggested something like cyber crime and digital crime unit.

Original poster
Whatevah · 23/01/2020 18:18

Don’t ask for medical info at all? Are you sure leghair? That is very heartening!
I wonder why they were told that it could be an issue with a mortgage? It was a medical professional that told them that!

OP posts:
SouthWestmom · 23/01/2020 18:19

Army is pretty obvious I suppose. Follow instructions without question at the drop of a hat.

Dc is a police cadet with ASD - not the only one I expect. Have not been told it's a barrier to applying.

leghairdontcare · 23/01/2020 18:22

Yes, I'm sure.

I wouldn't give medical advice so maybe the medical professional shouldn't give mortgage advice.

Original poster
Whatevah · 23/01/2020 18:25

Thanks.
I agree. I was quite surprised she accepted that, I queried it straightaway. Why on earth would a diagnosis of ADHD deny you a mortgage? If you have a job/ money surely that’s all that matters?

OP posts:
MaxPaddyandHarry · 23/01/2020 18:29

I know some who has ADHD who is in the RAF.
My DS was not turned down for the army because of his ASD, but because he has a heart defect.
I don't think it is a blanket ban for the forces at all.

MitziK · 23/01/2020 18:36

Rules in the last couple of years (worked with some kids who were thinking about it) is that ADHD is fine in the Army if they don't take/need medication. Unfortunately for one, his was severe enough that he realised he couldn't even consider reducing the dose to function. So he got an aeronautical engineering apprenticeship instead and says if his ADHD becomes less of an issue as he reaches full maturity/physical adulthood, he'll apply then. I think once he's earning, he won't particularly want to risk leaving a cosy hangar to go to one where he's likely to be shot at, personally, which suits his Mum perfectly

Mortgage, I think, is utter bollocks.

AspieDoc · 23/01/2020 18:36

DH has ADHD and is in the police. And was previously in the army. And I have ASD, and we have a mortgage. I wouldn't worry about it Smile.

Catgotyourbrain · 23/01/2020 18:37

DP had an ADHD diagnosis and we have a mortgage. They don’t ask, and if they did they would be in trouble for discrimination of a disability.

Honestly it’s made such a difference to have a diagnosis. Knowing your own mind and how it works is essential for making the most of what you have.

If the forces are what you’re worried about why not ask them for current policy? My DS has adhd too. It’s very difficult sometimes - but it can also be a bit of a superpower if you harness it.

BilboBercow · 23/01/2020 18:37

It would be illegal to reject someone for a mortgage based on a disability or neurological difference

Imok · 23/01/2020 18:41

When a family member applied to join the forces a couple of years ago, there was a very long list of conditions that would prevent someone from joining. Most of the conditions mentioned were ones which would require regular medication and included facial acne and add if medicated. Additionally, if the candidate had previously been medicated for any of the conditions listed, they had to be able to show they had been off medication for a minimum of two years.
I can understand it - at times any member of the forces may be in a situation where it is not possible to access medications outside of emergency situations, so it does make sense that they would not be able to join up.
Not sure about police and don't see any reasonable issues about having a mortgage, unless it could affect life insurance? Our last morgage required us both to have sufficient life to clear the mortgage if one of us had died during it's term.

LauraAurora79 · 23/01/2020 18:47

Armed forces and ASD is no. Police force, mortgage, fine as far as I know. ADHD fine for all of it.

blue25 · 23/01/2020 18:49

We were told that ADHD is an issue for army/police due to impulsive responses which could be unsafe.