Common Symptoms of Grief

• Shock and Disbelief: In the immediate aftermath of a loss, it may feel difficult to accept the reality of what has happened. You may feel numb and find it hard to believe that your loved one is gone.
• Anger: Anger is a common part of grief, often directed at oneself, others, doctors, or even towards the person who has passed away.
• Guilt: Feelings of regret may arise—wishing you had said or done something differently. Guilt can also occur when relief is felt after a long illness.
• Fear and Anxiety: The loss may trigger feelings of anxiety, particularly regarding your own mortality or new responsibilities you now have to manage.
• Sadness: Intense sadness is one of the most prominent signs of grief, often accompanied by feelings of emptiness, loneliness, and emotional overwhelm.
• Physical Symptoms: Grief may manifest physically through fatigue, nausea, aches and pains, and sleep disturbances. Be sure to speak with your GP if these symptoms persist.
• Lack of Feeling: Some individuals might feel surprisingly numb or emotionless after a loss. Processing grief can take time, and it’s common for emotional responses to be delayed.

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Grief in Individuals with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
Grief in those with ASD may look different from traditional grief responses:

• Anger: Individuals with ASD may experience heightened anger and aggression, often due to their rigid mindset clashing with the unpredictability of loss.
• Increase in Stimming: Higher levels of stimming and other ASD-related behaviours may become more pronounced due to increased anxiety.
• Regression: There may be regression in skills and social behaviours, with increased reliance on others for daily tasks.
• Lack of Grief: In some cases, individuals with ASD may not show typical signs of grief, either due to difficulty processing emotions or a delayed emotional response.​​

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Tips for Coping with Grief

1. Seek Support: Surround yourself with people who can support you. Accept help from family, friends, or professionals.
2. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Journaling or talking to a trusted friend can help express emotions. Prioritise sleep, healthy eating, and light exercise to support your physical health.
3. Plan for Triggering Events: Anniversaries, holidays, or significant events may trigger grief. Preparing ahead of time and discussing these with loved ones can help you manage these difficult moments.
4. Explore Spiritual Support: If you follow a faith, connect with your spiritual community for comfort and guidance.
5. Recognise Your Own Grief Path: Everyone grieves differently. It’s okay to cry, feel angry, or experience moments of joy. The intensity of grief often softens over time, and daily engagement gradually returns.

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Supporting a Bereaved Loved One
If someone you know is grieving, offering practical help can be a great source of support:

• Offer Practical Help: Simple tasks like shopping, cooking, childcare, or even organising paperwork can ease the burden on a grieving person.
• Be Present: Listen with sympathy, be comfortable with silence, and encourage them to share memories.
• Provide Long-Term Support: Stay in touch after the funeral, as the bereaved person may feel isolated in the weeks or months that follow.

Avoid offering platitudes like, “I know how you feel,” or “They’re in a better place.” Instead, offer genuine support and listen without judgement.

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Conclusion
Grief is a unique journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all timeline for healing. By understanding the common symptoms of grief, recognizing how individuals with ASD may experience loss differently, and applying these coping strategies, you can find a path forward. Support from loved ones and professionals can provide comfort during this challenging time.

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Explore Home Therapy Packs
Our guides provide practical strategies to support children facing these challenges. To further enhance your approach, consider our Home Therapy Packs, designed to engage children and improve focus at home.
Explore Home Therapy Packs

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​Referrals to Belong Health
We are Medicare and Private Health fund registered for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology.

EPC/Team care arrangements/Chronic disease (CDM) or GP management plans and self-referrals are all acceptable.

WA NDIS Registered Provider  

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Medicare
You can get a referral from your/your child’s GP for OT on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan this gives you 5 sessions for OT per calendar year with a $53 rebate available on each session or a Helping Children with Autism/PDD/ or an eligible disability package (20 sessions between allied health professionals, as set up by a Paediatrician/Psychiatrist) which gives your child under 16 years a $75 rebate per session for the 20 sessions, you can use up to 10 sessions per Health Professional (up to 10 for OT) and you will need a separate referral letter from your child’s Paediatrician for each Allied Health Professional you are seeking services from. 

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Private Health
Your Private Health fund may cover up to 75% of the cost of OT sessions if this is included in your cover, be sure to call them or check your policy for details.

No referral or self referral
You do not require a referral for accessing OT

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NDIS Registered Provider
We are an NDIS Registered Provider
Whether you or your child have NDIS funding that is NDIS Managed, Third Party Plan Managed or you are Self-Managing your funds, you are able to use your funding to cover the full cost of therapy services plus travel costs. You will need provide us with your/your child’s NDIS number and plan details ahead of your first session. Once you have booked a session or contacted us, our team will be in touch to discuss our service agreement and provide you with our services price list. 

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Phone: 08 9586 3934

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BELONG HEALTH'S Paediatric Occupational Therapy SERVICES FOR Perth region

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