So, i don't know if this is an autistic limitation or if anybody with cancer struggles with this. I don't have a lot of capacity for social interactions, so when I was first diagnosed I set up a WhatsApp group to keep my family and friends in the loop. I explained that I wanted to ring fence everything related to my treatment in this group, and that I would post any news there. I also asked them not to contact me about cancer outside of it, so that I am not reminded of it all the time and to prevent repeating myself. Several people find it necessary to app me directly anyway, asking for updates and how I feel. I find this really distressing, especially when they do it as I am winding down for bed. I find myself masking automatically anyway, and telling them I am fine. I am not sure how to make neuro typical people understand firmly but kindly to back off. Any suggestions?
Hi ZenHen
What a great thing you tried to set up - a specific area for news/contact - and a brilliant way for you to manage that. My daughter is ADHD/AS and so I can empathise with your issue. It is a pity that some folk are not listening, and perhaps they just don't get the AS bit?
I have recently started to have contact via WhatsApp with a chap who has just started chemo, and as I finished mine in May this year I have been able to help a little. However I did notice on his WhatsApp page that he had put some sort of "out of office" on which said something like " taking time out as on chemo" and this showed up quite clearly. So perhaps something like that might help as part of your wind down routine?
Unfortunately I have not yet found out how he did it (and won't contact him as he is still in the first awful week after chemo). If you are more tech savvy than me you might be able to find out how to do it? Or can anyone else let us know?
In the meantime, best wishes
Stay positive, be strong
KrisPy
Thanks, KrisPy I found out how to add the tag. Good tip 
