Formative years can be tough for someone with autism but what can you do if your autistic child is being bullied at school?

We dive into some of the challenges which an autistic child may have at school, why they can lead to bullying and what you can do to help.

Autism and being bullied

As parents of kids with special needs, our greatest desire is to see our children flourish and thrive at school.

However, the unfortunate reality is that bullying can impact any child, deeply affecting their overall well-being.

For parents of autistic children, the challenges of bullying can be particularly overwhelming.

This article aims to provide guidance and strategies for parents to support their autistic child.

Why may they be being bullied?

It’s important to recognise that the reasons behind bullying can be complex and multifaceted.

In the case of an autistic child, several factors might contribute to why they are being targeted by bullies.

Autism can sometimes manifest in ways that others may not fully understand, leading to misunderstandings.

Additionally, a lack of awareness about autism among peers and even teachers can create an environment where differences are met with ignorance or intolerance.

The bullies themselves may lack empathy or have their own insecurities, using harmful behaviour as a misguided way to gain social status.

Ultimately although every situation is likely to be unique, bullying will likely boil down to some of the following;

• Lack of understanding of autism
• Social challenges
• Communication challenges
• Repetitive behaviours

Lets now look at some things you can do to help.

Communicate with your child

This suggestion comes with full awareness of quite how hard communication can be with an autistic child.

Some autistic children either have communication challenges or simply won’t engage in conversations.

With that said somehow maintaining open and honest communication with your child is the foundation of support.

Try to create a safe space where your child feels comfortable sharing their experiences.

Listen attentively, validate their feelings, and reassure them that you are there to help.

Knowledge is power

It’s likely that you are already well informed on autism and how it may be impacting your child.

However if you are still uncertain educate yourself about autism, its traits, and how it might affect your child’s experiences.

There is a plethora of resources out there, from YouTube to support networks to forums.

Also feel free to browse our site, we have hundreds of articles on different situations impacting autistic children.

If you search for a keyword in the search bar below you will find many articles that will help.

Share this knowledge with teachers, school staff, and other parents to promote understanding and empathy.

Work closely with the school

Establish a partnership with your child’s school to address the bullying issue.

Request meetings with teachers and support staff to discuss your concerns.

Work together to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure your child’s safety and emotional well-being.

It is always worth approaching these meetings in a non combative tone. Some slight anger may be present if you feel they aren’t doing enough.

But remember the goal here is for teachers to be allies moving forward.

They may have missed the bullying due to being over stretched and are likely to have your child’s well-being a high priority.

Empower your child

Help your child build self-confidence by encouraging their interests and talents.

Engage them in activities where they can excel and feel a sense of achievement.

This will bolster their self-esteem and provide a positive outlet for their emotions.

Martial arts can be a positive impact on children with special needs, often having structure which can be appealing.

Some internet voices will suggest your child uses violence to tackle bullies, if we can stress this is NOT what we are suggesting.

Instead martial arts or many other sports can almost immediately bolster their confidence.

Confidence can improve social interaction and hopefully stop the bullying.

Develop social skills

Equip your child with essential social skills that can help them navigate challenging social situations.

Role-playing scenarios and practicing appropriate responses can empower them to handle bullying encounters more effectively.

These may feel awkward at first but autistic children often thrive on predicability. If they secure some coping sentences to react with then they may be able to handle interactions better.

Your goal will likely be to empower your child to speak up for themselves in a respectful manner.

You can and practice assertive communication techniques that can deter potential bullies.

Foster social connections

Encourage friendships with classmates who demonstrate kindness and understanding.

Organise playdates or participate in extracurricular activities where your child can connect with peers who share common interests.

These common interests could include computer games, trains and various other hobbies.

If your child can develop one or two close friendships then their confidence will skyrocket.

Consider professional help

Consider involving mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, who specialise in working with autistic children.

These experts can offer coping strategies, emotional support, and guidance tailored to your child’s unique needs.

Schools may have access to such resources so this is a topic you could raise during early conversations.

Promote resilience

Bullying can be emotionally taxing, but it can also be an opportunity for growth.

Teach your child resilience by focusing on their strengths, celebrating achievements, and helping them reframe challenges as learning experiences.

Track progress

Regularly check in with your child to gauge their emotional well-being and establish how things are going.

You can also look into the effectiveness of the strategies you’ve implemented.

Adjust your approach as needed and remain actively involved in their journey.

Summary – Autistic child being bullied at school?

Supporting an autistic child through the ordeal of bullying requires unwavering dedication, patience, and understanding.

As parents, we have the privilege of being our children’s fiercest advocates and sources of comfort.

By fostering open communication, education, and empowerment, we can help our precious children thrive in the face of adversity.

Together, we can create a safer and more inclusive environment where every child, regardless of their unique qualities, can flourish.