I need some ideas, and I need them fast . . . If any of you can help, please do so!

A 10-yr old boy with autism has just lost his mother, very suddenly and unexpectedly, and his family and therapists are struggling with how to tell him. He does not understand the concept of death, and he takes things very literally. They are afraid if they tell him mommy's gone to heaven, he will try to climb up there looking for her or something. He's constantly asking for his mommy, and wanting to go get her and bring her back. You cannot imagine the heartache this family is going through. This boy is also very rigid with his routines, and will not sleep unless his mommy lays down with him. It's all so very sad, and compounded by the need to tell him what's happened and what it means . . . but how?

If any of you have any sort of experience with anything like this, or can offer any suggestions, I will pass them on to his speech therapist. She is my son's speech therapist, also - and a very close, personal friend of the boy's mother. She is desperately trying to help him while struggling with her own grief. Thanks for any help!

I am so sorry for this family. I don't have any advice but will ask on m other forums. Good luck and prayers for the family.

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Mary Jones
mother of Kyle & Rita

What a tragedy! A visual/concrete learner may take in the information best using a book. There are many good ones out there on death for children. Check with your local library. One of our students just suddenly lost his dad and we had to search literature and found some good choices. He is much younger and not impaired but still, it is a difficult time.

good luck.
dmg

As a mother of an autistic child, my heart breaks for this family and this child. I will keep them in my prayers. I searched and found the information below. I SO hope it helps this family. God Bless!!
http://www.oneworld.org/autism_uk/archive/bereave3.html

Thank you all so much for your suggestions! I appreciate your taking the time and caring enough to try to help. I have passed the info on to the boy's speech therapist, and will let you know how it turns out. Thanks for the prayers, also.

I was given this link that might be helpfull WWW.autism-pdd.net (http://WWW.autism-pdd.net) good luck.

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Mary Jones
mother of Kyle & Rita

My heart breaks to hear of this. I have an 8 year old autistic son whose father committed suicide almost 2 years ago. I did not know what to say to him. He still has trouble accepting the fact that he isn't coming back. I try to take him to the grave so that he knows there is a place that his body is. He cannot accept the fact that he is gone, but he can accept that daddy is somewhere. He is still looking for that substitute "father". I tend to rely on my father and brother to take that place. Maybe an aunt or close female relative can help to ease him throught this troubled time. It did help for my son. I will be praying for him.