Autism & Cancer
SUPPORTING THOSE WITH AUTISM & CANCER
Cancer can be a tremendous challenge for anyone.
Yet, if you are autistic, you may face unique difficulties in dealing with the physical and emotional aspects of cancer. And, thus you deserve specialized support. We're here to help!
AUTISTIC WITH CANCER: CHALLENGES
Here are some challenges that someone with autism who is also dealing with cancer might encounter:
Communication and Understanding:
Difficulty in expressing and understanding emotions: People with autism often struggle with recognizing and expressing emotions. A cancer diagnosis can bring about a wide range of emotions, and individuals with autism may find it challenging to convey their feelings or understand the emotions of others, making it harder for them to express their needs and concerns.
Communication barriers: Communication is crucial in cancer care. Individuals with autism may have difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication, making it challenging to convey symptoms and preferences to neurotypical people.
Sensory Sensitivities:
Increased sensitivity to stimuli: Many individuals with autism have sensory sensitivities, such as heightened sensitivity to light, sound, touch, or smell. Cancer treatments, hospital environments, and medical procedures can exacerbate these sensitivities, causing additional stress and discomfort.
Routine Disruptions:
Adherence to routines: Individuals with autism often rely on routines for comfort and predictability. Cancer treatments, doctor appointments, and hospital stays will disrupt these routines, leading to increased anxiety and stress.
Social Challenges:
Difficulty in social interactions:
Cancer can lead to changes in social dynamics and relationships. Individuals with autism may already find social interactions challenging, and the added complexity of cancer-related social situations can create additional stress.
Coping with changes in relationships:
A cancer diagnosis can affect relationships with family, friends, and caregivers. Individuals with autism may find it difficult to navigate these changes and understand the impact of the illness on their social network.
Cognitive Challenges:
Individuals with autism may feel overwhelmed by this flood of information. On the other hand, the autistic person may process medical information much better than her or his allistic partner and then get frustrated with the partner's emotional and non-rational response. (See relationship bullet above).
Self-Advocacy:
Difficulty in self-advocacy: Advocating for one's needs is crucial during cancer treatment. Individuals with autism may be conflict avoidant and thus struggle to assert their preferences, communicate discomfort, or express their needs effectively. Or such individuals may self-advocate in a way that is perceived as overly aggressive, and thus receive a hostile unhelpful response.
Emotional Regulation:
Emotional regulation difficulties: Autism is often associated with challenges in regulating emotions. Coping with the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis, as well as the physical and emotional stress of treatment, can be particularly taxing in some unique ways for someone with autism.
Limited Support Networks:
Limited support networks: Individuals with autism may have smaller or more specialized support networks. It's important to ensure that their unique social and emotional needs are addressed during the cancer journey.
ALLISTIC WITH CANCER: CHALLENGES
Having cancer and being married to or partnered with someone with autism can present a unique set of challenges.
Here are some of the potential difficulties:
Emotional Expression:
The partner with cancer may need emotional support that the autistic partner may find challenging to provide in traditional ways.
People with autism may find it challenging to understand and express emotions, making it difficult for them to navigate and respond to the emotional rollercoaster that often accompanies a partner's cancer diagnosis.
Sensory Sensitivities:
The medical environment, smells, noises, and changes in routine related to the partner's cancer treatment may be overwhelming for the autistic partner.
Routine Disruptions:
Cancer treatment often disrupts daily routines, and individuals with autism often rely on predictable routines for stability.
Empathy Challenges:
The partner with cancer may require heightened emotional support, and the autistic partner may find it challenging to provide this support in a way that is perceived as empathetic.
Coping Mechanisms:
Both partners may have unique coping mechanisms that differ significantly. The partner with cancer may seek emotional support, while the autistic partner may cope through routines or specific interests. Thus, understanding and accommodating each other's coping strategies can be a complex process.
Social Isolation:
Autism can sometimes lead to social challenges, and the additional stress of cancer may exacerbate feelings of isolation especially for the allistic partner.
Balancing Caregiving Roles:
The partner with autism may have unique strengths that can contribute to caregiving, but challenges in understanding and responding to emotional needs may complicate caregiving dynamics.
Advocacy and Healthcare Navigation:
Navigating the complex healthcare system and advocating for the best care can be challenging. The autistic partner may find it difficult to engage in these processes effectively.
GENETIC CONNECTION?
Some clients wonder if there is a genetic connection between autism and cancer. Unfortunately, there are no easy answers.
The relationship between autism and cancer risk is complex and has been the subject of various studies. Some research suggests that there may be a genetic overlap between autism and certain cancer-related genes, but this does not necessarily translate to a higher risk of cancer for autistic individuals.
Lower Risk of Cancer?
For instance, a study mentioned in Spectrum News found that people with autism have a lifetime cancer risk of 1.3 percent compared to 3.9 percent in the control group. This suggests that individuals with autism may actually have a lower risk of developing cancer compared to those without autism.
Some cases of Higher Risk
However, it’s important to note that the presence of comorbid intellectual disability and/or birth defects in individuals with autism spectrum disorders can contribute to an increased risk of cancer in early life. View the article here!
Higher Mutations, Lower Risk
It’s also worth mentioning that while some individuals with autism may have mutations in cancer-related genes, these mutations do not always lead to cancer. In fact, another study highlighted by ScienceDaily showed that although patients diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a higher burden of mutations in cancer-promoting oncogenes, they actually have lower rates of cancer.
Talk to Medical Specialist
While there is some genetic overlap between autism and cancer, the evidence does not conclusively point to a higher risk of cancer for autistic individuals. It’s essential to consider individual health profiles and consult with healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. If you have specific concerns about health risks, it’s best to speak with your medical doctor or a cancer specialist.