“SHE DIED, SHE DIED… AT LAST, AT LAST”: THE GRIEF OF AN AUTISTIC GIRL

Abstract

This case study presents the therapeutic process of a girl with autism grieving the sudden death of her father, within the context of a university-based individual therapy service. The analysis focuses on significant moments in the process and highlights both the child’s capacity for symbolization and the therapist’s containing role. The intervention, tailored to her specific needs, showed improvements in her behavior and emotional well-being. In many aspects, the grief process resembled that of neurotypical children. The inclusion of the mother in the final session is emphasized as a key moment for fostering mother–daughter communication and enabling the verbal expression of loss.