Finding Your Own Way to Grieve: A Creative Activity Workbook for Kids and Teens on the Autism Spectrum

by Karla Helbert

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.

194 pages, ebook

First published October 15, 2012

Reviews

[MK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Giving a generous 3 stars, because even though it didn't do much for me, I'm sure it would be useful for a lot of other people out there. This book was given to me, and I'm not really sure why, but I read through it and tried out the exercises. I did like towards the end when it talked about different cultural customs around the world. I also liked that it made it a point to say how autistic people sometimes have different reactions to things that may not be considered "appropriate" but that it isn't anything malicious and is just how they cope with things. I also appreciated that it makes it known that it's okay not to cry or not to want to be hugged by people. I'll sometime in the future look at the resources that are listed in the back of the book.