The autism grief cycle describes the range of emotions parents may experience after their child receives an autism diagnosis. It’s a natural, human response, not to the child themselves, but to the expectations parents may have had about their child’s development and future.
Much like the stages of grief, this process can include denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and acceptance. Parents may initially feel overwhelmed or unsure about what the diagnosis means. Over time, as they learn more about autism and see their child’s unique strengths, these feelings often shift toward understanding, hope, and empowerment.
It’s important to remember that the autism grief cycle isn’t a sign of weakness or lack of love; it’s part of adjusting to a new perspective. Support from professionals, other parents, and therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can help families move from uncertainty to confidence.
At Precious Care ABA, we provide compassionate, family-centered care, guiding families through every step of the journey toward growth and acceptance with ABA therapy in Maryland, New Jersey, and Colorado.
Ready to support your child’s development with expert care? Contact us today!
SOURCES
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/giving-voice/202402/the-spectrum-of-loss-grief-through-the-autistic-lens
https://www.autismandgrief.org/family-friends-direct-support-professionals-3/what-is-grief/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0882596324001131
https://www.europeanreview.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/7698-7708-1.pdf
https://cadenzacenter.com/the-7-stages-of-the-autism-parenting-journey-from-diagnosis-to-empowerment/
