Non-verbal methods for assessing grief and mental health in children and individuals with additional communication needs: A scoping review.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Bereavement affects individuals in diverse ways, and the support they require can vary significantly. For grief to be effectively recognised and addressed in both clinical and research settings, appropriate and validated assessment tools are essential. However, there is a notable gap in child-specific tools, particularly those that use non-verbal approaches to support young children and individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEN), who may have limited verbal communication.

Aims

This scoping review aims to explore and map existing evidence on grief and mental health assessment tools that incorporate non-verbal methods. The focus is on tools used with children aged 11 and under, and with older children or adults who have additional learning or communication n

SUBMITTER: Hopewell-Kelly N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12923933 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature