Other Types of Losses

Major life changes, even positive ones, can trigger feelings of grief and loss. This might include stress, anxiety, or fear. It’s normal to miss what was familiar and safe because such changes can lead to a loss of skills or withdrawal.

For autistic people, having predictability and certainty is crucial, and changes in people or routines can lead to feelings of loss and grief

Types of Non-Death Losses Include:

Changes in Care Providers

Losing or changing caregivers, therapists, doctors, dentists, or other significant figures, including the loss of a beloved pet.

Living Environment

Moving to a new home can disrupt familiarity, routines, and relationships with neighbours, leading to a loss of these familiar elements and memories.
Work and Day Programmes
Changes in a job or day programme can affect routines and relationships with colleagues and providers, resulting in feelings of loss.
Family Structure
Events like divorce or a sibling going to university can disrupt daily routines and reduce interaction with family members, leading to a sense of loss.
Activities and Passions
Losing access to a special activity or passion can feel like a significant loss.
Personal Objects
Loss of an object to which the individual was emotionally attached can also trigger grief.

Understanding these potential sources of grief can help in managing and supporting the emotional well-being of autistic people during transitions.

Grief from non-death losses can often resemble the grief experienced after someone dies. For more information about grief and tips for supporting an autistic loved one, see Grief and Autism.

Tips for Supporting Non-Death Losses

Acknowledge the Loss

Encourage the person to recognize and grieve the past situation. Change can be confusing and unsettling. It’s important to validate their feelings and give them time to adjust.

Establish Security

Begin by making sure the person feels physically safe. This will help them stabilise and start dealing with their emotional responses.

Be Patient with Adjustments

Avoid rushing the person to enjoy the new situation. Change is challenging, and it takes time to adapt to new circumstances.

Communicate Clearly

Always speak honestly about upcoming changes, using clear and direct language instead of euphemisms. This helps prevent misunderstandings and eases the transition.

Use Visual Support

Use charts and images to help the person understand and prepare for upcoming changes. Visual aids like timetables or timelines can make abstract concepts more concrete and easier to grasp.

For example, a photo book/digital collection of photos of significant new elements such as a new home, a new therapist, or a new activity like swimming can reduce anxiety and uncertainty.

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