Just diagnosed with autistic child...

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Hza138
Hza138 Member Posts: 3
edited March 2018 in Just Diagnosed

I am recently diagnosed. Preparing for surgery, radiation, and chemo. But I have a five year old daughter with autism and ADHD. My fiancé works nights, so I’m a single mom during the week. Plus I’m still working full time.

Does anyone else handle chemo with a special needs child?

Is it better to take time off work for chemo? How am I going to feel

I’m trying to plan. Surgery will be in 3-4 weeks. I already had DCIS and a PBM with DTI silicone implants. Now a totally new cancer is in my other breast (post mastectomy). Talk about terrible luck! BRCA1 is evil.

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited March 2018

    Hi!

    I have twin sons with autism who were 12 years old when I went through chemo. I just sent them to school and did chemo while they were at school. It wasn't the perfect solution because one of my sons was suffering from depression and anxiety at the time, and we were taking him for treatment to a psychiatrist who specializes in special needs kids. But, my son's teachers did their best to take care of him. Eventually, we found some meds to treat him, and things got easier. Do you have family or friends who can help out with your daughter?

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  • Hza138
    Hza138 Member Posts: 3
    edited March 2018

    I don’t have much help. She does have daycare and preschool (kindergarten next year). I’m hoping I can get treatments and rest then

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited March 2018

    Well, at least you have daycare and preschool -- that will be a big help. What kind of chemo will you be getting?

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  • Leatherette
    Leatherette Member Posts: 448
    edited March 2018

    I’d also check with any kind of cancer groups (American Cancer Society, Cancer Lifeline, etc.) to see if there are volunteers that might help with a variety of things, like cleaning your house or helping you with your daughter. If you have an oncology social worker, they may be able to steer you towards supports.

    If she’s attending special needs preschool, maybe the teacher or parent community can help? Graduate students in special education programs.....

    Sorry about your recent diagnosis. My kids were teens when I was diagnosed, and do not have autism, but I was a sped teacher for many years, and now a school psychologist, and if I were working with your family, I’d want to help in any way I could.

    Best,

    Leatherette



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