Autism and Bullying: Making the Connection

Autism and Bullying:  Making the Connection

April is recognized as Autism Awareness Month.  In many cities across the nation, buildings are adorned with blue lights brightly shining to bring attention to the issue.  Autism is a brain disorder that ranges from mild to severe.  Individuals also have a wide range of abilities and challenges because of the disorder.  Some children are highly skilled in math and reasoning abilities but have social or emotional limitations. Signs of autism generally start to surface between the ages of 18 months to 2 years old. Autistic children typically tend to avoid eye contact, and physical contact such as touching, and have limited verbal skills.  Children with autism might face continued challenges developing communication and social skills. Ultimately, these challenges can make fitting in at school difficult.

Bullying is repeated physical or verbal intimidation that continues over time.  Bullying behavior also includes making threats, isolating or intentionally excluding a person from a group.  Autism and bullying might be linked because of the exclusion and isolation that exists as a result a child’s limited social skills.  Children with limited social skills sometimes draw negative attention and become a new target for a bully. It is important that we continue making the connection between autism and bullying as well as other mental or physical challenges that lead to a bully’s intimidation. 

The Bully Blockers: Standing Up for Classmates with AutismAsperger Syndrome and Bullying: Strategies and Solutions

& 

Asperger’s Syndrome is a disorder that falls within the spectrum of Autism.  Although children with Asperger syndrome often possess superior academic or artistic abilities, they can become the brunt of jokes, teasing, and bullying waged by classmates or peers.  Parents, teachers and classmates must work together to ensure that all children feel included and accepted in their school community. Students diagnosed with Autism and Asperger’s may qualify for special education services including the implementation of an Individual Education Plan or IEP.  Parents, teachers, and other school officials need to possess current knowledge that enables understanding and making a possible connection between autism and bullying.

Every individual is uniquely talented in different ways and should be valued as such.  Research points to the fact that special needs students, including physically and developmentally challenged students are often bullied.   School rules, regulations, and laws outline formalized policies against bullying or harassment and school personnel must work diligently to ensure a safe environment for all students.    School officials and parents must stay abreast of research and information to understand the intricacies of autism and bullying. 

I encourage you to review the website www.stopbullying.gov  for additional information on legislation in your particular state.  Let us give support to students striving to fit into a world that does not readily make allowances for differences.  Take a stand against bullying and use your voice for individuals who are sometimes unable to speak on their own behalf.