How to you talk to a child with special needs about bereavement ?

edzzy1968

Ronan is seven, has cerebral palsy and autism. He was close to my father , his grandfather who died in December 2015. Hes been asking about death, heaven etc. How does one deal with talking to child about theses matters. He seems contented but curious....

[Deleted User]

Hey edzzy,

Firstly, I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your father.

Secondly, you are asking a really great question for this community, and there are lots of good resources out there!

Here are a few - hopefully others will be able to add to this list or share their own experiences.

https://www.mencap.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Bereavement.pdf

http://www.autism.org.uk/bereavement

https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-library/bereavement-and-grief-resources

http://www.youngminds.org.uk/assets/0000/9602/childbereavementASD.pdf

https://expertbeacon.com/helping-kids-autism-spectrum-disorder-navigate-bereavement#.VpPPLLaLRpg

http://www.seesaw.org.uk/Portals/0/Learning Disability Pack-final.pdf

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjEvPrijqLKAhXB8HIKHaVjBiQQFgguMAI&url=http://www.councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/media/337719/stars_bereavement_support_and_send.ppt&usg=AFQjCNGuPfogk3gFix1QFhKYvFpL0h3Llg&bvm=bv.111396085,d.bGQ (automatic download - it's a powerpoint designed for professionals but has some good ideas - I particularly like the one about leaves)

http://support.childbereavement.org.uk/files/images/19__Special_needs.pdf

(you might want to get in touch with child bereavement UK to see if they can provide any support. They have a helpline)

Love and light.

-B x

marsymmo

I think the key is keep it simple answer truthfully and then be prepared to answer questions at a later date as they come up. A low the child to play out what they feel or understand about the death.