Grieving support group with creative-aerial movement for adults with developmental disabilities

2013

Yumi Shirai
[email protected]
520-621-9427

As the life expectancy of adults with developmental disabilities (DD) now approaches that of the general population, they often experience loss of caregivers (e.g., death of an elderly parent). However, their communication challenges, due to the limited cognitive/behavioral abilities of this population, restrict their opportunities to grieve through traditional means (e.g., counseling, talking with friends). This lack of grieving opportunities could result in severe consequences (e.g., isolation, depression). Based on work from two independent research fields, sensory-integration from occupational therapy and creative expression from expressive-art therapy, this pilot-case study (n=3) introduces an innovative intervention--a five-month weekly group grieving workshop.

aging, grief, creative arts

Conference presentations and posters presented

Professionals, Students

[email protected]

N/A