Children and teenagers with autism can struggle to cope with the loss of a loved one, and the complicated and painful emotions of bereavement. This book explains death in concrete terms that the child with autism will understand, explores feelings that the child may encounter as a part of bereavement, and offers creative and expressive activities that facilitate healing.With illustrations throughout, this interactive book begins with a simple story about what happens when people die. Each chapter then expands on the issues that have been raised in the story and offers a variety of coping skills exercises including writing, art and craft, cooking, movement, relaxation, and remembrance activities. Encouraging children with autism to express their loss through discussion, personal reflection, and creative activity, the book is ideal for children and teens to work through by themselves, or with the support of a family member or professional.
Acknowledgements. For Parents, Caregivers and Professionals. Letter to the Reader. Some Tips for Success When Doing Arts, Crafts or Cooking Projects. 1. When People Die (A Very Short Story About Death). 2. Dying is a Part of Life. 3. People Die When their Bodies Stop Working. 4. Heaven Would Be a Very Happy and Safe Place to Be. 5. It's Okay to Feel Sad, or Even Angry, When Someone We Love Dies. 6. It's Okay to Miss the People We Love. 7. We Can Talk to Others About How We Feel. 8. We Can Always Remember the People We Love Who Have Died. 9. We Will Always Miss Them. Glossary. How to Find Help and Support. Choosing a Therapist. Resources. Journaling and Art Space.
''At some stage in their lives, children and adolescents who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder will experience grief but there is remarkably little literature on this emotion for parents, professionals and those with ASD. Now we have a practical, informative and sensitive workbook that will encourage the constructive expression of grief. I know this book will be greatly valued by families and those who support them through the grief process.'' Tony Attwood, Clinical Psychologist, Minds & Hearts Clinic, Brisbane, Australia, and author of The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome ''Very few books dare to enter or approach human suffering and grief the way that Ms Helbert's does. With open-hearted compassion and tenderness, she provides much needed guidance to help children with autism who are enduring grief and loss. The book is infused with wisdom and explores grief through discussion topics, exercises, and practical aid which will surely last many children a lifetime. I would recommend it highly for adults and children, professionals and families, and across cultures.'' Joanne Cacciatore, PhD, Assistant Professor, Arizona State University and Founder, MISS Foundation ''Children with autism will experience loss, whether through the death of a beloved pet, a relative or a friend. This book addresses issues unique to children or adolescents with autism experiencing loss and is full of practical guidance, resources, and activities for parents or practitioners supporting a child or adolescent with Autism Spectrum Disorder through the grief process. I highly recommend it!'' Bradford Hulcher, parent of a son with ASD and Executive Director of the Autism Society, Central VA ''All of us have to come to grips with loss in our lives. Finally there is a book that will help those with ASD understand one of the greatest mysteries of living. This book is tender, compassionate, and an incredible resource for anyone who cares about and for persons with ASD. It should be on everyone's bookshelf.'' Carol M. Schall, PhD, Assistant Professor, Director of Training and Technical Assistance and the Autism Center of Excellence, and Director of Virginia Autism Resource Center, Virginia Commonwealth University
