Learning the Truth About Autism and Grief artwork
The Heart of Hospice Podcast

Learning the Truth About Autism and Grief

  • S8E45
  • 41:59
  • June 7th 2024

Dr. Kenneth Doka and Alex Lamorie of the Hospice Foundation of America’s Autism and Grief Project are advocates for people with autism.  Dr. Doka is a prolific author, editor, and lecturer, past president of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, and a member and past chair of the International Work Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement. 

Alex Lamorie is an undergraduate student at the University of Maryland Global Campus and an autism advocate.  He serves as an advisor on the Hospice Foundation of America's Autism & Grief Project.  Alex's expressive grief artwork was featured in 2021 in the textbook Superhero Grief: The Transformative Power of Loss. 

For any professional who works with grieving adults, having awareness of the needs of persons on the autism spectrum is an important part of their education.  Adults with autism can be overlooked by bereavement and grief workers because their grief expression might look maladaptive, perceived as inappropriate, or not present at all.  Alex, along with other autistic adults, contributes a vital perspective in his role as an advisor for the Autism and Grief Project.  

The Autism & Grief Project provides resources for persons with autism, their families or intimate network, and grief and bereavement professionals. You can find the Project at autismandgrief.org.

Hear why Alex serves on the advisory board here

If you’re an adult with autism, there’s support for you here.

If you’re a family member, caregiver, or support person for someone with autism who’s grieving, click here

If you’re a clergy person, grief or bereavement professional, find resources here.

Socials for the Autism and Grief Project:    Facebook   Twitter (X)   Insta   YouTube

Find more information about the Hospice Foundation of America here

Find all the resources that Barbara Karnes has to offer at bkbooks.com.

Purchase the End of Life Guideline Series Bundle here.

Read Barbara’s blog here

Connect with Barbara Karnes on social media:    Facebook    Insta     LinkedIn   Twitter   Pinterest  YouTube   

Order your copies of The Hospice Care Plan: A Plan to Comfort here, now available in English and Spanish!  

Check out the free library of video tutorials from the creators of The Hospice Care Plan hospice nurses Nancy Heyerman and Brenda Kizzire here.  

Read more about Nancy and Brenda and their mission to improve hospice care here.

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Hospice Navigation Services is here for you.  If you have questions about hospice care or need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, book a session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.  

Book podcast host Helen Bauer to speak at your event or conference by sending an email to [email protected].

Find more podcast episodes from The Heart of Hospice at The Heart of Hospice Podcast (theheartofhospice.com)




The Heart of Hospice Podcast

The Heart of Hospice podcast is dedicated to helping personal and professional caregivers who are caring for someone with serious illness. We're here to provide information and education so people can make informed choices about end of life care.