Processing the Loss of a Father: Navigating Adversity for Children with ASD

After the loss of her husband it became quickly apparent that there was a distinct lack of resources available for helping children on the autism spectrum navigate adversity. With two young children both of whom have additional needs Louise needed to improvise. From these improvisations this series was born.

This book in the series covers the loss of a father, it is based on the assumption that the mother is still alive and the cartoons are of a mother helping her son to navigate the death of his father. Using a cartoon social story it covers the initial telling of his death, through to what death actually is and what happens next. It will help prepare your child to understand what has happened, what death means and what to expect at a funeral and a wake.

It is designed to be read with your child and not given to your child to read alone.

What is a Social Story?

Social stories help young children and children with additional needs to understand situations that may occur at home, at school and in daily life. It is a way to exchange information in a manner that the child can process and understand. Typically they are a written narrative with accompanying pictures created to illustrate different situations.

Please note:

If you have purchased one of the other loss books in this collection then please be aware that the wording in this is very similar to those covering the loss of a mother, grandparent, sibling or friend.

Book Contents:

• Illustrated Book 'Processing the loss of a Father'
• Ways to help your child
• Activities to help children grieve
• Typical behaviours of a grieving child
• Suggested reading list
• Online Resource suggestions

Navigating Adversity for children with ASD is a collection of books aimed at children on the autism spectrum. Each book navigates through one area of adversity with colourful cartoons (social stories) set through the eyes of a child and helpful parental notes for guidance and reflection. The series is written by Louise Cousins, Louise is a single (widowed) parent to two children with additional needs. This series was born due to a lack of resource to help explain adversity to children with additional needs.