Bullying and Students with ASD

Being different in some way is almost an invitation to be bullied, so children with ASD often suffer at the hands of bullies in and out the classroom.

Research by Card NA & Hodges EVE (2007) determined that students that struggle with social interactions have an increased chance of being bullied, while Humphrey N, & Symes W (2010a) found that the instance of students with ASD being bullied was approximately three times that of their neuro- typical peers.

Characteristics that are common among students with ASD only exacerbate their differences and increase their vulnerability.

• Difficulty with social interaction

• Difficulty in forming and keeping friendships

• Learning difficulties

• Behaviour difficulties

• Physical behaviours such as hand flapping or vocalising

• Sudden emotional outbursts

Any of these can lead to rejection and victimisation by peers.

As teachers we can decrease the occurrence of bullying by promoting positive and supportive personal relationships with our ASD students. This not only provides the ASD student with support but also models to peers positive ways in which to interact and include students with ASD.

Positive parent / teacher relationships aid in the flow of communication and allow teachers to gain a good perspective on all aspects of the issue. Parents and teachers can then work together to foster healthy and diverse social networks with peers. Support and inclusion from peers significantly reduces the probability of bullying for ASD students.

Programs that teach and support practices of inclusion by all stakeholders are readily available to schools and many schools implement them as part of their daily protocols.

Teachers can also ensure that ASD students have plenty of opportunity to practice their social skills, that peers are given information and skills on how to interact positively and to provide structured activities or adult support during unstructured periods, such as during playtime.

By being proactive, teachers can ensure that all of their students have a safe and happy time at school and if issues arise they can be dealt with swiftly and effectively.

Amaze.org provides more information and effective strategies on dealing with bullying in relation to students with ASD, for both teachers and parents, so check it out.

http://www.amaze.org.au/uploads/2011/08/Fact-Sheet-Bullying-and-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder-Aug-2011.pdf

Cheers,

Sheree

References

Humphrey N, Symes W (2010a) Perceptions of social support and experiences of bullying among pupils with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in mainstream secondary schools. European Journal of Special Needs Education 25: 77–91.

Card NA, Hodges EVE (2007) Victimization within mutually antipathetic peer relationships. Social Development 16: 479–496.

Hebron, J., & Humphrey, N. (2014). Exposure to bullying among students with autism spectrum conditions: A multi-informant analysis of risk and protective factors. Autism, 18(6), 618-630.