Hypochondria

I agree, it can be absolutely terrifying and even stop you doing day to day things. I used to sometimes stay awake all night convinced I must have cancer, and for a while I used to get these stabbing pains in my chest (now I know it's just a harmless muscle-related thing) and I would be sure I was going to die of a heart attack, and I have also several times been certain I have problems with my teeth but I don't, I actually have good teeth. It has sometimes led me to do stupid things like trying to remove skin defects with a razor when I thought I had skin cancer.

I think lots of people get these fears sometimes, but with autism you are more likely to keep it to yourself and obsessively ruminate over it and then the fear grows. It also makes it worse if you have anxiety about seeing doctors/dentists e.g because of sensory issues, because then you might avoid telling people your worries so that you can avoid going to the doctor/dentist. (This was my situation, I am improving though.)  Autism also leads to high levels of stress/anxiety quite often, and these things can heighten your sensation of pain so you might get normal twinges etc and think that it's something more serious. 

My advice is to always share it with someone (close friend/family member/medical professional) when you get worried about possibly having an illness. You can say "I know I'm probably worrying too much, but I am experiencing [some symptoms] and I need to check it's nothing serious so I can stop thinking about it". GPs are used to this kind of thing, they will want to help put your mind at ease. It's not a waste of an appointment if it stops you being distressed.

I agree, it can be absolutely terrifying and even stop you doing day to day things. I used to sometimes stay awake all night convinced I must have cancer, and for a while I used to get these stabbing pains in my chest (now I know it's just a harmless muscle-related thing) and I would be sure I was going to die of a heart attack, and I have also several times been certain I have problems with my teeth but I don't, I actually have good teeth. It has sometimes led me to do stupid things like trying to remove skin defects with a razor when I thought I had skin cancer.

I think lots of people get these fears sometimes, but with autism you are more likely to keep it to yourself and obsessively ruminate over it and then the fear grows. It also makes it worse if you have anxiety about seeing doctors/dentists e.g because of sensory issues, because then you might avoid telling people your worries so that you can avoid going to the doctor/dentist. (This was my situation, I am improving though.)  Autism also leads to high levels of stress/anxiety quite often, and these things can heighten your sensation of pain so you might get normal twinges etc and think that it's something more serious. 

My advice is to always share it with someone (close friend/family member/medical professional) when you get worried about possibly having an illness. You can say "I know I'm probably worrying too much, but I am experiencing [some symptoms] and I need to check it's nothing serious so I can stop thinking about it". GPs are used to this kind of thing, they will want to help put your mind at ease. It's not a waste of an appointment if it stops you being distressed.