a few years of working life left

[Sandhills]

I have a dd who is 8, by the time she is 18 i will have to give up work completely, i know there is a gap of ten years but i feel a terrible sense of panic and dread.I only work p/t at the minute and to feel that there are no resources available and that i will have to spend all my time focusing on a child who is very babyish but an adult in years is very daunting.Am I alone in being scared of coping?

no expertise, but am aware that a few people on this forum have carved out a new working life in the field of disability research/activism. Is that a possible way to keep your intellectual/professional life going?

Yes! Work and professional interests is part of my identity and there is a sort grief in having to let it go - I simply do not have the time or energy to continue in my former area of expertise.

However I feel it is essentual to keep some identity other than as ds carer. I also feel that as far as possible ds will need some life outside our home too - it is good for everyone. He has school at present and attends some sn clubs. Mencap often run clubs for older children (over 8 or 10) and young adults. There is a service called out and about but I do not know much about it yet but I think it is an enabling service.
It may not be a case of giving up work but carving a different future. It takes time to rethink the future but at only 8 you have time!