Finding support and information

This section explains when to seek professional help for a child and lists many support organisations.

Many professionals and organisations can help you communicate with your children throughout the cancer experience. You don’t need to have a specific problem to contact these services. You can ask for support even before sharing the news with your children.

When to seek professional support for your child

Children and teenagers react to a cancer diagnosis in their family in a range of ways. It’s hard to know when professional support may be needed, but you may consider it if your child:

• has a change in their usual behaviour (e.g. aggressive or regressive behaviour) that is ongoing
• is showing less mature ways of coping, such as regularly wetting the bed
• is refusing to go to school – they may have separation anxiety and think they need to stay home to look after their parent
• has a persistent change in eating habits
• shows noticeable concentration challenges (falling grades at school)
• is spending more time online
• is having trouble sleeping
• talks about wanting to die or is extremely preoccupied with dying
• acts sad and withdrawn
• demonstrates severe risk-taking behaviour, such as self-harm, alcohol or drug use
• is withdrawing from friends.

For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other additional needs, you may need to seek professional help sooner.

Teachers and other school staff can be among the first people to notice that something is worrying a young person. Because they see children every weekday, they may see a change in behaviour, concentration levels, marks, eating habits and socialising with peers.

Health professionals who can help

If you’re concerned about your child, you could see:

• your GP and other specialists – may be able to talk to your children, or help you decide whether to consult a psychologist
• nurses – may be the most regular contact you have with the treatment centre and are a source of information and support
• social workers – often part of the cancer care team, can link you with support services and help with emotional, practical or financial issues
• school counsellors – are trained in child development and can be a useful source of support and ideas
• psychologists and counsellors – can help you with communication and behavioural issues (visit Australian Psychological Society and scroll down to “Find a psychologist”)
• psychiatrists – will see children with more serious issues (you will need a referral from a GP).

Useful organisations and resources

Dad just told us straight: ‘I have cancer.’ I just thought, ‘He’s going to die.’ Mum tried to sugar-coat it and said there were things they could do, but I was thinking the worst. I wanted to run. I wanted to do something. I thought if I could just do something, that would change it. I joined Canteen the next day.

Izzy Aged 15