Developmental changes in children's acquisition of death concepts and
in their emotional reactions are reviewed. Moderating variables that m
ay affect the nature of grieving processes after parental or sibling d
eath are discussed, including circumstances of the loss, prior experie
nce with death, and the child's cognitive functioning. Pragmatic issue
s (such as when and how to inform children of parental or sibling deat
h) regarding bereavement and mourning in children with acquired brain
injuries are reviewed and illustrated by means of case studies. Specia
l challenges to rehabilitation professionals who must deal with these
issues (including the concurrent treatment of secondary losses, cognit
ive deficits, and organic personality changes) are discussed.