( HS Sheppard 150761 2026) Neuro-Grief and Unseen Loss Guiding Later-Diagnosed Autistic Adults Toward Integration and Meaning

Course overview

Grief in autistic individuals is often unseen emerging from experiences of exclusion, missed milestones, or the late realization of what self acceptance could have meant. This session introduces the concept of neurogrief, exploring how loss, identity reconstruction, and meaning-making unfold following autism recognition or diagnosis in adulthood. Participants will learn to recognize and compassionately support these emotional processes using autism-informed and neuro-affirming approaches. Youll Learn: Identify invisible grief and neuro-grief across development and identity Adaptations of grief frameworks that honor autistic processing and communication Practical tools for guiding clients through loss, change, and rediscovery Strategies that strengthen self-compassion, regulation, and belonging Current research limitations and ethical considerations in practice