Supporting Neurodiverse and Differently Abled Individuals in Grief

Differently Abled individuals and Individuals who are neurodiverse living with Autism Spectrum challenges may have difficulty verbally expressing what they are feeling and may act out behaviorally or physically to try to cope with their emotions .Here are some ways grief and loss might be expressed: Non verbal individuals may exhibit; increased self stimulating behaviors, increased anxiety, changes in sleep patterns, increased restlessness, or aggression, emotional outbursts, skill regression, social withdrawal. They may also exhibit a delayed response to a death. They may have physical responses like headaches and nausea.

Possible Ideas to Support Non verbal and Differently Abled Individuals

Use direct, clear, simple language and do not use euphemisms like 'passed away'. Use "death".

Use picture books that talk about death to help them understand. Read it over and over again so they begin to say the words if possible. Say "Grandma died; she was very sick." If you have photos of Grandma for instance in bed, at Hospice show those photos and talk about how it feels for you to be sad and missing grandma. Use the same short, familiar words over and over again -this helps them to process and understand.

Other suggestions:

.keep routines predictable

.provide calming environments and sensory toys and manipulatives to ground their nervous systems.

.label verbally what they may be feeling for example: "You are sad. You are upset and mad (angry) and missing Grandma. I am missing her too." Allow them to see you cry-model what grieving looks like.

Create a story board of photos of Grandmas life; here she is as a child, high school, young adult, mother, Grandma (with photos of the individual with her (holidays etc.) Retell her story over and over with her final goodbyes and photos.

.Seek professional help if needed and join a support group.

These are just a few suggestions .