need hekp explaining death to 6 year old

I am so sorry. What a terribly difficult situation. I think most six year old children would struggle to understand death, autistic or not. In fact, even adults do. I can't tell you what to say as I don't know your son and am obviously no expert in these things. From a purely personal point of view though I might suggest some of the following ideas:

1) explain it to him in simple, factual terms. Eg: "when people are very ill indeed sometimes they die. This means that their bodies and minds stop working and they can no longer do anything or be a part of our lives. Aunty is very ill and it is possible that she might die."

2) explain to him that it is ok to be sad or angry or scared or whatever he feels. You can also tell him about how you are feeling in simple terms (I am sad because I am going to really miss auntie.) maybe explain that you may behave a bit differently to normal after his aunty dies, as you will find it hard.

3) reassure him that none of this is his fault. Tell him that his aunty loves him.

4) try to keep other things in his life stable. Reassure him that you are not going to die. Tell him you love him. Try to keep to his routines as much as possible (though this may be hard if you are grieving too)

5) be gentle on yourself. Take care of you. Your little boy needs you to be ok for him - don't hide your feelings from him, but make sure he knows that you are safe and there for him. Moreover, you are important and need to recognise that this time is hard for you too.

sorry if that is not helpful. I hope I said nothing to offend or upset you. I am really sorry that you are going through this. I think you sound like a lovely parent to be thinking foremost of your son at such a difficult time. Take care

I am so sorry. What a terribly difficult situation. I think most six year old children would struggle to understand death, autistic or not. In fact, even adults do. I can't tell you what to say as I don't know your son and am obviously no expert in these things. From a purely personal point of view though I might suggest some of the following ideas:

1) explain it to him in simple, factual terms. Eg: "when people are very ill indeed sometimes they die. This means that their bodies and minds stop working and they can no longer do anything or be a part of our lives. Aunty is very ill and it is possible that she might die."

2) explain to him that it is ok to be sad or angry or scared or whatever he feels. You can also tell him about how you are feeling in simple terms (I am sad because I am going to really miss auntie.) maybe explain that you may behave a bit differently to normal after his aunty dies, as you will find it hard.

3) reassure him that none of this is his fault. Tell him that his aunty loves him.

4) try to keep other things in his life stable. Reassure him that you are not going to die. Tell him you love him. Try to keep to his routines as much as possible (though this may be hard if you are grieving too)

5) be gentle on yourself. Take care of you. Your little boy needs you to be ok for him - don't hide your feelings from him, but make sure he knows that you are safe and there for him. Moreover, you are important and need to recognise that this time is hard for you too.

sorry if that is not helpful. I hope I said nothing to offend or upset you. I am really sorry that you are going through this. I think you sound like a lovely parent to be thinking foremost of your son at such a difficult time. Take care