Supporting children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder through bereavement

Children with Austism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may react to a bereavement in different ways to neurotypical children. This article explores some of the underlying perceptual and processing difficulties observed in children with ASD that may affect their understanding of death and their reaction to a bereavement. But children with ASD, like any others, need their grief both recognised and understood, and will need opportunities to express how they feel. The article gives some suggestions which may help children with ASD, and includes a list of helpful resources.