Many people know that October is breast cancer awareness month. What many people may not know is that 1 out of 7 women will be affected with breast cancer at some point in their life. It affects the lives of the patient, and all those who love her. And when one of those loved ones is a child with special needs, it can cause even greater anxiety.

Perhaps a Kid With Special Needs (KWSN) you know is the niece or nephew of a Savvy Auntie or the child of a mother with breast cancer. And when their routines are disrupted, scary and confusing feelings may come to the surface and daily life changes. How can the KWSN be helped along the way?

The psychology books say the best thing to do with all kids is to be as honest as possible when discussing serious illness. Give them the words to understand what a mastectomy is or try to define words like "chemo." At most cancer treatment centers across the nation, there are art therapy afternoons and weekends where children are able to work on art projects with their loved one. There are also free support groups just for kids like those offered at Gilda's Club, a support center set-up to honor the spirit of the Saturday Night Live comedian Gilda Radner who died of ovarian cancer.

A KWSN may need to be told repeatedly what is going on to assure that they understand. Another way to help them do that is to create a picture book or a stuffed animal around their feelings for their loved one, with your help and guidance.

The most important thing to remember is that a KWSN always needs to be assured that the routines that make them feel comfortable and safe will continue as much as possible. Kisses, hugs, cards, gifts and fun afternoons at the park or at a local museum are always needed by a KWSN who may crave some extra special attention and love when a family member has a serious illness like breast cancer.