Chemo and Child

Hello, new here. I do hope I am not intruding as I do not have any official diagnosis, although I am currently going through that with the doctor. 

I have recently done 6 months of chemo and put everything I have recently felt down to that. I am sure chemo will mess your brain up due to the chemicals. It feels heightened right now, I asked my cancer specialist if chemo causes autism but he said you are born with it and it chemo wouldn't 'give' you autism.

The reason I am here is a couple people have asked my partner if I am autistic and I always thought autism was something people with learning difficulties have.

My knowledge of autism came from researching it online to see if my 4 year old son has it due to his behaviour for restlessness and strong routines. The more I read, the more I thought it sounded like the way I think and do things. I have always been the strange, quiet one, lost in my own thoughts and no antidepressants or therapy helps.

I did the tests online like most do and they all said something is there. I have the form to fill out and I just end up staring at it. I do not understand the questions. My Dad is no longer here and I can't speak to my Mum about mental health as it doesn't really exist to her. It took me so long to tell her I was having CBT and she believes the medication I am on just makes things worse.

All my life I have been told 'He is a day dreamer and if I applied myself I would achieve something in my life'. I am fast approaching 40 and I feel like a lost soul. The pressure in my head forces me down and I cannot move and anything little that doesn't go to plan it feels like there's no point in leaving my bed. No one understand me. I want to fit in and I struggle socially and I really don't understand when people have conversations, like they are speaking a level above me. I have always masked with alcohol. Sorry I am rambling..

Parents
  • Hi.

    Welcome to the forum.

    The forum is open to all, including self 'recognised' autistic people.

    All the best if you go ahead with seeking a diagnosis - there are plenty of late (and very late) 'diagnosed' people on this forum.

    With regard to your parents' input, my understanding is that this isn't essential for an adult diagnosis although you would obviously need to have that confirmed with the provider.

    Take care.

  • Thank you. I've filled out the form and had the initial chat with Dr. They will send off the referral. Don't suppose you know the waiting times in Essex area? I didn't ask. 

Reply Children