Pet Care and Loss Resources for the Autistic and Neurodivergent Community
Websites
The Never-Ending Teacup Ride: An Autistic Experience of Pet Grief by Suzanna Poredos 2023 is an Autistic advocate, with a lived experience of Autism, co-occurring mental health conditions, and physical, chronic health conditions. You can follow her online blog at Always Angelic Aspie Alice. She writes of pet loss from an autistic young adult/older teen lens.
Animal Companion Death by Autism and Grief Project 2025 When your animal companion dies, the grief you feel can be as strong or even stronger than when a friend or family member dies. Animals, whether they are pets or service animals, often seem to better understand you than anyone else. When they are no longer present in your life, you may experience grief.
"The Day My Cat Died: On Autism and Grief" via the Thinking Person's Guide to Autism: This moving essay explores the exact shock and sensory disruption of losing a cat from an autistic adult's perspective. It tackles the intersection of routine disruption, hyper-empathy, and sensory triggers.
Books
Oscar by Jon Rubin 2026 Written by a teacher whose middle son is autistic, this book was created specifically to help answer the question of where a pet goes after passing away, offering a gentle narrative tool for neurodivergent children who may struggle with abstract concepts of death.
The Invisible Leash by Patrice Karst 2021 Although for all children, this book is frequently recommended by neurodiversity-affirming therapists. It teaches that the bond of love remains persistent even when a pet is physically gone. A very validating concept for those who process emotional bonds tangibly.
What Cloud Is My Pet In? by Kim Vesey 2026 This book follows a classroom of characters who experience pet loss. It features an embedded interactive Q&A format that helps adults navigate literal questions and encourages children to share physical, specific memories of their pets.
The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr 2015 Ideal for younger children or those with communication differences. Using bright colors and very short, direct text, it validates all the physical reactions to grief such as not wanting to eat, feeling angry, or just needing to cry.
Pre-Made Printable Social Stories
Autism Little Learners Pet Loss Series: This site offers free, highly visual downloadable social stories titled "My Dog is Sick" and "My Cat is Sick." They use simple sentences and clear line drawings to walk children through vet visits, medication, and what happens if a pet cannot get better.
Autism & Grief Project Animal Companion Death Story: A free, structured PDF social narrative that outlines the logistical shifts that occur when a pet dies. It explicitly prepares the child for routine changes (e.g., "The times I used to spend taking care of my animal companion won't be part of my daily life anymore") and validates heavy sensory feelings.
