Autism and Grief: The Role of Clergy & Faith Leaders

This 90-minute continuing education program for clergy, chaplains, pastoral care professionals, youth ministry leaders, religious educators, and others from any spiritual or faith tradition focuses on supporting autistic adults in grief and loss. The program explains ways in which adults with autism may experience and express grief. The expert presenter provides tools, resources, and strategies for clergy to use in their faith communities in order to enfranchise and support those with autism throughout their grief journey.

Available on Demand
Click the View Program link below. The program will be streamed via Zoom and you will be prompted to enter your name and email address.  

Continuing Education
1.5 CE hours is available. Instructions will be provided at the end of the program. Complimentary CE credit is provided by Hospice Foundation of America. Click here to view the board approvals list.

Expert Presenter: Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, MDiv

Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Understand basic facts about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
  • Discuss current grief principles.
  • Identify how autistic adults may react (or not react) to loss
  • Identify how traditional religious beliefs and practices can present both benefits and barriers for  adults with autism.
  • Discuss how spirituality may be expressed by adults with autism.
  • Delineate three techniques that clergy and others can utilize to assist autistics in navigating rituals.
  • Identify three possible ways to offer support to an adult with autism in faith communities and through their grief journey, beyond the immediate period of the funeral and burial.

Program Information
Click here to view program details.

Webinar Slides
Click here to view the program slides.

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