Caregiver_Expanding the Language of Grief: Supporting Youth with Disabilities in Bereavement

Presented by: Jennifer Wiles, LMHC, BC-DMT, FT This presentation will focus on the impact, challenges and joys that accompany our work supporting young people with disabilities who are grieving. We will identify the unique needs that can arise when neurodivergent youth experience grief. Tips on managing expectations, designing activities and accessing existing resources will be offered. We will practice some replicable grief support activities based on the expressive arts that have been found to be effective with this population. We will share information about the HEARTplay Program and lessons learned in the process of developing an inclusive grief support program. We will address issues and questions as we strive to create inclusive grief support in our practices and community. Time will be set aside for questions and discussion. Learning objectives Learning Objective One: Identify three unique challenges and responses to the death of a significant person in young people who are neurodiverse who are grieving. Learning Objective Two: Implement three responsive, activities for bereaved children/teens of all abilities in both an online and an in-person format. Learning Objective Three: Identify and use five tools (program elements) to proactively create a nurturing program environment where participants of all abilities feel respected, informed, connected, and empowered. Learning Objective Four: Utilize accessible resources for supporting youth with disabilities and their families who are experiencing grief. Online Evaluation: bit.ly/katconline2425