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Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: Facing Dying and Loss
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“Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: Facing Dying and Loss” is the 14th chapter of the book "Living with Grief: Diversity and End-of-Life Care”. It was authored by Claire Lavin, PhD, a professor of psychology at The College of New Rochelle in New York. A licensed clinical and school psychologist, she works with children and adults with disabilities in facilities and schools.
About the time this book was released, the publisher featured an interview with Dr. Lavin in its newsletter. For those who are interested, there is a link to the entire interview under the “Web Links” tab above, here is an excerpt:
“What may be some specific areas of concern for families and caregivers who are not comfortable exposing these children to discussions of grief and loss?
A. Again, one stereotype has been that persons with developmental disabilities do not actually experience loss, which we know is not the case, or that they just can’t understand the concept. Many people with developmental disabilities will react very strongly to these situations, but those reactions can be unsettling, as they are often very blunt. One example was a young man who came to a family member’s funeral and asked, in a loud voice, “Why is he in that box?” This is another example where preparation can be so critical—to talk through what the experience might be like, what they will see, etc.
The book in which this chapter is found, “Living with Grief: Diversity and End-of-Life Care (2009),” introduces readers to the most current ways of thinking regarding how cultural diversity affects quality end-of-life care. The book begins with an introduction to diversity as a concept and then provides concrete insights into several cultural groups, grouped by race and ethnicity, religion, and gender (in addition to the chapter on disability).
The information comes from various places on the publisher’s website
(Hospice Foundation of America), all viewed on 6/9/11
Biographical information about Dr. Lavin from July, 2009 press release (pressrelated.com/press-release-hospice-foundation-of-america-presents-new-educational-webinar-on-supporting-people-with-intellectu.html)
Interview excerpt from the March, 2009 E-Newsletter (www.hospicefoundation.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=64520)
Description of book from the product section (www.hospicefoundation.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=91237) |
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