Between the CDC’s recent 1 in 88 autism announcement and the newly released movie about bullying, these two subjects are hot topics in the news. Therefore, I was delighted when the folks at the UK website www.autismfile.com asked if DifferentDream.com would run some articles, I said yes. Without further ado, here’s Leslie Phillips article that includes both autism and bullying.
Autism and Bullying
by Leslie Phillips, Autism File
The short and long term consequences of being a bullying victim are serious — sometimes even life-threatening. Studies show children who are bullied often perceive themselves as victims into adulthood, powerless to change their situation. This results in low self esteem, problems in relationships and on the job, and tragically, sometimes suicide.
Research tells us that children with disabilities are two to three times more likely to be bullied than their non-disabled peers.(1) Children on the spectrum are even more vulnerable. In a 2009 survey conducted by Massachusetts Advocates for Children(2), 88 percent of parents of children on the spectrum reported bullying, and in nearly 40 percent of these cases, the child was victimized for more than a year. This statistic is even more sobering when you consider bullying often goes unreported by a child who fears getting adults involved will only make matters worse.
According to a 2009 article in Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing(3), 47 percent of parents reported their child with autism had been hit by peers or siblings, 65 percent said their child with Asperger’s had been victimized by peers in some way, and 50 percent reported their children were being scared by their peers.
The serious consequences of bullying have become the focus of national attention due to high-profile cases resulting in suicide. The hard work ahead involves changing attitudes in classrooms, playgrounds and soccer fields across America.
The Problem
It’s important to understand what bullying is to effectively address the problem. Bullying is defined as aggressive or unwanted behavior between individuals characterized by an imbalance of power. A key feature is that victims feel unable to defend themselves. It can involve physical aggression, verbal taunting, exclusion, and exploiting children through technology via text or social networking sites. Why are children with autism such frequent targets? Even among children with disabilities, research shows they are disproportionately victimized. Experts cite poor frustration tolerance common in children on the spectrum, making it easy to “get a rise” out of them (a favorite outcome for bullies). Also at play are social skills deficits, motor skills impairments that might set them apart from their peers in athletics, and sensory issues that might affect the way they dress or behave.
Playing the Detective
How do you know if your child is being bullied? Often, children don’t tell adults they are being bullied. Kids on the spectrum may have limited speech or might not realize they are being victimized. As with so many other aspects of autism, it’s up to the parents to remain alert so that they can detect problems early. Some signs a child is being bullied include sudden reluctance to attend school, an increase in anxiety, changes in routines such as sleeping and eating, decline in academic performance, and of course physical signs such as cuts and bruises, or torn books and clothing.
Creating Change
A quick internet search will reveal many anti-bullying programs, but before your school district invests time and money in a program, parents should ask questions to ensure the strategies have proven effective. Michael Greene, PhD, Research Advisor for the New Jersey Coalition for Bullying Awareness and Prevention offers advice on what works and what doesn’t. Cited as ineffective are zero tolerance policies, isolated efforts such as special assemblies, focusing only on physical aggression, accepting the bullying as a normal rite of passage, and individual counseling for the bullying or victim.
Effective strategies involve a more fundamental climate change to create a culture of respect for all differences. Creating safe ways to confidentially report bullying, involving bystanders, using peer support networks and active parent involvement are key to successful intervention. Often overlooked, but common sense, is the responsibility of adults in the situation to model positive supportive relationships rather than using intimidation, power or fear.
Practical Tips for Caregivers
Unfortunately, statistics indicate it is highly likely your child on the spectrum will encounter some problems with bullying, so be aware of strategies you can use to avoid, or at least minimize, the effects.
- Prepare the Team: The best time to prepare the team for a successful school year is just before it starts, so plan a trip to the campus a week or two in advance. Bring up bullying concerns in your child’s IEP meeting, especially if they are entering middle school when bullying problems peak, or if it’s been a problem in the past.
- Prepare your Child: When you schedule your school visit, plan it when there aren’t crowds. If your child will be using a locker, practice finding it and unlocking it. Anything you can do to alleviate stress for your child will help curb anxiety – a trait quickly picked up on and exploited by bullies.
- Monitor the Situation: Visit your child’s school and observe how he or she interacts with others, particularly in unstructured situations. This might be most easily accomplished in the cafeteria. It’s a good idea to be involved as a volunteer so that you have a reason to be on campus. Keep communication lines open with teachers. If possible, ask other students about your child and if they have observed any problems.
Generally speaking, try informal resolutions first with case managers, teachers and counselors. Document all communication in writing or email. If matters don’t resolve, you can call for an IEP meeting or if needed, use your formal resolution process which might involve filing a grievance or complaint, or pursuing due process. Avoid becoming overly emotional but be persistent.
Remember, bullying is common among all kids, so this isn’t just a disability issue. But just because something is common doesn’t make it right. Your efforts to create safe learning environments for your child will likely benefit many others and your child will forever remember the efforts you make on his behalf.
(1) Walk a Mile in Their Shoes: Bullying and the Child with Special Needs, A Report and Guide from AbilityPath.org
(2) Targeted, Taunted, Tormented: The Bullying of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Massachusetts Advocates for Children, 2009.
(3) Carter, S. (2009). Bullying of students with Asperger syndrome. Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing, 32(3), 145-154
Autism File magazine serves the families of the growing number of individuals diagnosed with autism and the professionals who work with and care for them. We provide our readers with up-to-date information on promising treatments and therapies, medical advances, education, nutrition, special diets and a host of other topics relevant to those affected by autism. Addressing both day-to-day and long-term concerns, our goal is to ensure that our readers have the content they need to make informed decisions in caring for their loved ones with autism. Published bi-monthly, Autism File is available nationwide at Barnes & Noble, Books A Million and several other retail outlets, and by subscription. For more information, visit www.autismfile.com or contact Rita Shreffler, Executive Editor rshreffler@autismfile.com .
What’s Your Experience with Bullying?
Has your child with special needs been bullied? How did you deal with the situation? What advice do you have for other parents? Leave a comment so other parents can nip this harmful practice in the bud.
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Hi Nerine,
Your son went through an horrific experience. You were so wise to record him as he talked about it and put into writing what he experienced. Has the bullying stopped?
Though it is harder for a child on the autism spectrum to express him/herself than neurotypical kids, it can be surprising how long many children stay silent. Our son was bullied in 6th grade (no autism, but small for his age and not your cookie cutter kid), and we had to pull it out of him. He was scared he’d be bullied more if he told. And for kids who have always experienced bullying or some other unusual situation, they see it as perfectly normal, so they don’t tell anyone. We, as parents, need to keep lines of communication open with all our kids, not an easy task!
Jolene
Hi Nerine,
Your son went through an horrific experience. You were so wise to record him as he talked about it and put into writing what he experienced. Has the bullying stopped?
Though it is harder for a child on the autism spectrum to express him/herself than neurotypical kids, it can be surprising how long many children stay silent. Our son was bullied in 6th grade (no autism, but small for his age and not your cookie cutter kid), and we had to pull it out of him. He was scared he’d be bullied more if he told. And for kids who have always experienced bullying or some other unusual situation, they see it as perfectly normal, so they don’t tell anyone. We, as parents, need to keep lines of communication open with all our kids, not an easy task!
Jolene
My son just turned 10 this January. Prior to his tenth B-Day this happy non-behavorial child broke down into unconsolable sobbing and told about his bullying for the last 3 plus years. My heart broke listening to my child tell of what was transpiring and had transpired. My son has Asperger’s and is very high functioning. Well aware of his uniqueness from Neurotypical children and other kids that are on the spectrum. This child stated that he did not fit in, there was nobody like him in his school. To hear my child state these things was git wrenching, but he was so on point.
I actually had my phone in my hand just prior to his crying episode at bedtime. I was on my way to bed as well. Not knowing what to do and wanting to get across to how he was feeling I hit the record button on my phone. I wanted his dad who was not there at the time to hear how his son was feeling. This poor child in the 4th grade was blaming himself stating it was probably his fault because he was kind of a jerk in first grade.. I tell you no child should have to harbor this much pain for this long.
The saddest thing of all was that it was not until I put in writing that the child who was bullying my child was exhibiting sociopathic tendencies that I got attention.
Our children are different, the scary thing is that it took 4 years for him to express himself. Neurotypical children in my opinion would not wait that long.
All any child wants is to be in a safe environment and have friends, the difference is that our children are so desperate for a friend it makes them targets.
My son just turned 10 this January. Prior to his tenth B-Day this happy non-behavorial child broke down into unconsolable sobbing and told about his bullying for the last 3 plus years. My heart broke listening to my child tell of what was transpiring and had transpired. My son has Asperger’s and is very high functioning. Well aware of his uniqueness from Neurotypical children and other kids that are on the spectrum. This child stated that he did not fit in, there was nobody like him in his school. To hear my child state these things was git wrenching, but he was so on point.
I actually had my phone in my hand just prior to his crying episode at bedtime. I was on my way to bed as well. Not knowing what to do and wanting to get across to how he was feeling I hit the record button on my phone. I wanted his dad who was not there at the time to hear how his son was feeling. This poor child in the 4th grade was blaming himself stating it was probably his fault because he was kind of a jerk in first grade.. I tell you no child should have to harbor this much pain for this long.
The saddest thing of all was that it was not until I put in writing that the child who was bullying my child was exhibiting sociopathic tendencies that I got attention.
Our children are different, the scary thing is that it took 4 years for him to express himself. Neurotypical children in my opinion would not wait that long.
All any child wants is to be in a safe environment and have friends, the difference is that our children are so desperate for a friend it makes them targets.