Support for the Bereaved and the Dying in Services for Adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders

A guide for managers and service staff

Helen Green Allison

This book, which has just been published by the National Autistic Society, is for carers or family members who want to help someone within the autistic spectrum disorder cope with a bereavement and the loss of a loved one.

The author draws attention to the fact, often overlooked, that as those with autism find every social interaction difficult, it might be thought they cannot form attachments to other people. If this is believed, then it may be considered that they will be insulated from grief if touched by a bereavement. However, research shows this is not always so, and many people with autism have been deeply affected by the death of someone close. Of course, all people respond differently and individually to a bereavement, but the grieving processes of people with autism are profoundly affected by their disabilities. Difficulties with communication, of course, make this whole area particularly bleak, so it is important to watch out for delayed reaction to loss or uncertain and inappropriate responses. And keep in mind that because of communication disabilities someone who is part of the autistic spectrum will not be able to ask for help and support. Aid will be needed to help them to express their feeling, even to identify their feelings.

We should be grateful to the NAS, and to Helen Green Allison, for drawing our attention to this particularly painful, and often neglected, area of difficulty for someone with autism or Asperger syndrome.

© Jill Curtis 2002

published by The National Autistic Society (www.nas.org.uk)    £8.00   

 ISBN: 1899280669