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What Is the Autism Grief Cycle?
Aug 13, 2025

What Is the Autism Grief Cycle?
Aug 13, 2025

What Is the Autism Grief Cycle?
Aug 13, 2025

What Is the Autism Grief Cycle?
Aug 13, 2025
Learn what the autism grief cycle is, its emotional stages, and how parents, caregivers, and individuals can navigate this journey with understanding and support.
The autism grief cycle refers to the range of emotions parents or caregivers may experience after their child receives an autism diagnosis. It’s similar to the stages of grief described in other life changes—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—but it’s not about “mourning” the child. Instead, it’s about adjusting expectations and understanding a new path forward.
At first, some parents may feel shock or denial, struggling to process the news. This can be followed by frustration or sadness about challenges their child might face. Over time, as they learn more about autism, many parents shift toward acceptance and empowerment, focusing on their child’s unique strengths.
It’s important to know this cycle is normal and it’s okay to move through the stages at your own pace. Support from professionals, autism communities, and therapy can make the journey easier.
At Blossom ABA, we help families navigate this transition with compassionate, individualized ABA therapy in Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. Our goal is to help your child grow, learn, and thrive.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your family’s next steps.
SOURCES:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6926999/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0882596324001131
https://www.europeanreview.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/7698-7708-1.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357602047_Stages_of_grieving_in_fathers_of_autistic_children_a_qualitative_study
https://hnu.herdin.ph/index.php/herdin-home?view=research&cid=54862
The autism grief cycle refers to the range of emotions parents or caregivers may experience after their child receives an autism diagnosis. It’s similar to the stages of grief described in other life changes—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—but it’s not about “mourning” the child. Instead, it’s about adjusting expectations and understanding a new path forward.
At first, some parents may feel shock or denial, struggling to process the news. This can be followed by frustration or sadness about challenges their child might face. Over time, as they learn more about autism, many parents shift toward acceptance and empowerment, focusing on their child’s unique strengths.
It’s important to know this cycle is normal and it’s okay to move through the stages at your own pace. Support from professionals, autism communities, and therapy can make the journey easier.
At Blossom ABA, we help families navigate this transition with compassionate, individualized ABA therapy in Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. Our goal is to help your child grow, learn, and thrive.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your family’s next steps.
SOURCES:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6926999/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0882596324001131
https://www.europeanreview.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/7698-7708-1.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357602047_Stages_of_grieving_in_fathers_of_autistic_children_a_qualitative_study
https://hnu.herdin.ph/index.php/herdin-home?view=research&cid=54862
The autism grief cycle refers to the range of emotions parents or caregivers may experience after their child receives an autism diagnosis. It’s similar to the stages of grief described in other life changes—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—but it’s not about “mourning” the child. Instead, it’s about adjusting expectations and understanding a new path forward.
At first, some parents may feel shock or denial, struggling to process the news. This can be followed by frustration or sadness about challenges their child might face. Over time, as they learn more about autism, many parents shift toward acceptance and empowerment, focusing on their child’s unique strengths.
It’s important to know this cycle is normal and it’s okay to move through the stages at your own pace. Support from professionals, autism communities, and therapy can make the journey easier.
At Blossom ABA, we help families navigate this transition with compassionate, individualized ABA therapy in Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. Our goal is to help your child grow, learn, and thrive.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your family’s next steps.
SOURCES:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6926999/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0882596324001131
https://www.europeanreview.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/7698-7708-1.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357602047_Stages_of_grieving_in_fathers_of_autistic_children_a_qualitative_study
https://hnu.herdin.ph/index.php/herdin-home?view=research&cid=54862
The autism grief cycle refers to the range of emotions parents or caregivers may experience after their child receives an autism diagnosis. It’s similar to the stages of grief described in other life changes—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—but it’s not about “mourning” the child. Instead, it’s about adjusting expectations and understanding a new path forward.
At first, some parents may feel shock or denial, struggling to process the news. This can be followed by frustration or sadness about challenges their child might face. Over time, as they learn more about autism, many parents shift toward acceptance and empowerment, focusing on their child’s unique strengths.
It’s important to know this cycle is normal and it’s okay to move through the stages at your own pace. Support from professionals, autism communities, and therapy can make the journey easier.
At Blossom ABA, we help families navigate this transition with compassionate, individualized ABA therapy in Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. Our goal is to help your child grow, learn, and thrive.
Contact us today to learn how we can support your family’s next steps.
SOURCES:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6926999/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0882596324001131
https://www.europeanreview.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/7698-7708-1.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357602047_Stages_of_grieving_in_fathers_of_autistic_children_a_qualitative_study
https://hnu.herdin.ph/index.php/herdin-home?view=research&cid=54862
Understanding the Autism Grief Cycle in Depth | Blossom ABA
Understanding the Autism Grief Cycle in Depth | Blossom ABA


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Blossom Therapy constantly seeks qualified BCBAs and RBTs to fill full and part-time positions.



