How do I tell my Autistic daughter her Aunt has cancer

Hi All,

I am just looking for some support with how best to break the news to my daughter that her Aunt has cancer.

My 13 year old daughter has been recently diagnosed with Autism and 3 months ago, she attempted to end her own life by jumping from a bridge.

My Sister (the Aunt who has cancer) didn't want to further stress her and tell her about the diagnosis but she has found out today that she will have chemotherapy and will more than likely lose her hair. For this reason, I don't think it is something we can continue to hide from her. My sister is very concerned that this could set her back and cause her so much worry that she may attempt at taking her life again. Her main struggles with Autism is not being able to express her emotions which she then goes to extreme lengths to deal with instead.

Has anyone been in a similar situation and has any tips on how to gently tell her? Any advice is much appreciated

Parents

Zac Mod 10 hours ago

This sounds like a very difficult conversation to approach with care, where your method of being honest yet mindful is very much to be respected - I have very similar experiences, from my childhood, i can only imagine the dilemma of my parents.

While I am sure that our community will have feedback to give, I would like to in the meantime, share some NAS approved resources with you:

This previously created thread discusses how other users have explored discussing a cancer diagnosis: (+) Explaining a cancer diagnosis - Health and lifestyle - Home - National Autistic Society - Our Community

This resource discusses how bereavement may be approached with autistic individuals: Bereavement

For varied resources located around the UK, try the following: Autism Services Directory

our ASH system may touch upon additional points this response has missed: Ask ASH (Autism Support Helper)

Going forwards, I wish you the best - this is not an easy situation to be a part of, although, as you say, just how long would you be able to avoid discussing this?

Thanks - Zac Mod.
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Zac Mod 10 hours ago

This sounds like a very difficult conversation to approach with care, where your method of being honest yet mindful is very much to be respected - I have very similar experiences, from my childhood, i can only imagine the dilemma of my parents.

While I am sure that our community will have feedback to give, I would like to in the meantime, share some NAS approved resources with you:

This previously created thread discusses how other users have explored discussing a cancer diagnosis: (+) Explaining a cancer diagnosis - Health and lifestyle - Home - National Autistic Society - Our Community

This resource discusses how bereavement may be approached with autistic individuals: Bereavement

For varied resources located around the UK, try the following: Autism Services Directory

our ASH system may touch upon additional points this response has missed: Ask ASH (Autism Support Helper)

Going forwards, I wish you the best - this is not an easy situation to be a part of, although, as you say, just how long would you be able to avoid discussing this?

Thanks - Zac Mod.
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