An Autistic Boy Copes with a Terminal Illness

Abstract

David, a 12-year-old boy with autism, developed Ewing's Sarcoma and died 3 months later. This report describes the effects of both illnesses on David, his parents, and his care givers. The difficulties encountered in finding appropriate help in the care of both illnesses and in making difficult decisions are described. The presence of autism can affect medical management and the presence of terminal illness can affect the management of autism. Suggestions are offered for effective medical and psychiatric interventions that include a sensitivity to both illnesses in physicians and other care givers; a case manager to help find appropriate medical and psychiatric services; and the availability of combined medical and psychiatric units. J. Am. head. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 1990, 29, 6:901–904. © 1990, The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. All rights reserved.