Summary:

Grief is a difficult emotion for anyone. How do we, as parents and caregivers help our loved ones process death? Using a mixture of research, memoir, and expert advice, participants will:

• Explore the grief experience of people with intellectual disabilities,
• Learn practical steps to follow to help their loved ones grieve, and
• Hear stories from other parents and share insights within a community of peers.

Topics:

• Don’t take my grief away – why we need to grieve
• How do our children process grief?
• Learning from each other: Personal stories
• Practical rituals to help process grief

Sample Resources:

• Brickell, C., & Munir, K. (2008). Grief and its complications in individuals with intellectual disability. Harvard review of psychiatry, 16(1), 1-12.
• Dodd, P., Dowling, S., & Hollins, S. (2005). A review of the emotional, psychiatric and behavioural responses to bereavement in people with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 49(7), 537-543.
• Markell, M. A. (2004). Helping people with developmental disabilities mourn: Practical rituals for caregivers. Companion Press.