A compassionate, neuroaffirmative social visual guide to support Autistic children and young people in understanding funerals, death, and bereavement.
This 28-page social visual guide is designed to help Autistic learners understand what a funeral is, what they may see and hear, and what choices they have, using clear language, predictable structure, and emotionally safe explanations.
It supports understanding without overwhelming, and centres choice, autonomy, and emotional validation throughout.
This guide gently explains the full funeral process, step by step, including:
Understanding that someone they care about has died
What a funeral is and why people attend
Travelling to the funeral
Arriving at the church and seeing people outside
Understanding what a hearse and coffin are
Open and closed coffins, with clear reassurance around choice
Entering the church and sitting with family
What happens during the funeral Mass
Seeing people cry or grieve in different ways
Music, prayers, and shared memories
Hearing phrases like “I’m sorry for your loss” and how to respond (if they wish)
Physical contact such as handshakes or hugs, with explicit consent and choice
Sensory experiences such as flowers, smells, photos, noise, and crowds
Using fidgets and regulation tools in church
Burial and travelling home afterwards
Each concept is introduced slowly, clearly, and respectfully, without assumptions about emotional response.
28 structured pages with consistent layout and visuals
Clear, concrete language suitable for Autistic processing
Explicit reassurance that:
Feelings may vary
Participation is optional
Physical contact is a choice
Looking at the coffin or body is optional
Supports sensory awareness and regulation
Includes permission to use fidgets and comfort tools
Non-graphic, developmentally sensitive explanations
Autistic children and young people
Parents and caregivers supporting bereavement
Schools and special education settings
SNAs, teachers, therapists, and counsellors
Home or school-based emotional support
This resource is suitable for use before, during, or after a funeral.
PLEASE Note:
This resource after purchase will be made available to download for 24 hours only. Please download within the stipulated timeframe to access your resource.
A compassionate, neuroaffirmative social visual guide to support Autistic children and young people in understanding funerals, death, and bereavement.
This 28-page social visual guide is designed to help Autistic learners understand what a funeral is, what they may see and hear, and what choices they have, using clear language, predictable structure, and emotionally safe explanations.
It supports understanding without overwhelming, and centres choice, autonomy, and emotional validation throughout.
This guide gently explains the full funeral process, step by step, including:
Understanding that someone they care about has died
What a funeral is and why people attend
Travelling to the funeral
Arriving at the church and seeing people outside
Understanding what a hearse and coffin are
Open and closed coffins, with clear reassurance around choice
Entering the church and sitting with family
What happens during the funeral Mass
Seeing people cry or grieve in different ways
Music, prayers, and shared memories
Hearing phrases like “I’m sorry for your loss” and how to respond (if they wish)
Physical contact such as handshakes or hugs, with explicit consent and choice
Sensory experiences such as flowers, smells, photos, noise, and crowds
Using fidgets and regulation tools in church
Burial and travelling home afterwards
Each concept is introduced slowly, clearly, and respectfully, without assumptions about emotional response.
28 structured pages with consistent layout and visuals
Clear, concrete language suitable for Autistic processing
Explicit reassurance that:
Feelings may vary
Participation is optional
Physical contact is a choice
Looking at the coffin or body is optional
Supports sensory awareness and regulation
Includes permission to use fidgets and comfort tools
Non-graphic, developmentally sensitive explanations
Autistic children and young people
Parents and caregivers supporting bereavement
Schools and special education settings
SNAs, teachers, therapists, and counsellors
Home or school-based emotional support
This resource is suitable for use before, during, or after a funeral.
PLEASE Note:
This resource after purchase will be made available to download for 24 hours only. Please download within the stipulated timeframe to access your resource.
