Ways to Support Grief

Grief and Down Syndrome: Understanding and Support

Grief isn’t something most people like to talk about—but it’s something a few of our families are facing right now. Several in our community have recently lost loved ones, and we want to take this moment to shed light on how grief can impact individuals with Down syndrome.

Grief is never easy. It can be confusing, frustrating, and filled with ups and downs—from denial to anger to acceptance. Family members often find themselves in different places on this emotional rollercoaster.

One common misconception is that individuals with Down syndrome don’t understand loss. This isn’t true. They recognize that something has changed, even if they have big questions like What is death? While they may not fully understand how to process loss, they feel the sadness—both their own and that of those around them—and may also experience the stages of grief. Our role is to help them navigate those stages and find healthy ways to cope with them. We encourage you to explore this list of 10 things to know about individuals with Down syndrome and grief.

The Adult Down Syndrome Center offers a great resource outlining 5 ways to support someone with Down syndrome who is grieving, along with a full section on grief and loss. The University of Hertfordshire also provides valuable insights in its article on Managing Grief Better, especially for caregivers of people with varying abilities.

If this information helps even one family, it’s worth sharing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Be kind to yourselves—YOU are grieving too, and you deserve care and compassion. It’s okay to ask for help, whether that means seeking professional guidance or leaning on your friends and family. You do not have to go through this alone.