July 27, 2019
It is not uncommon for children with autism to face bullying by other
children or their peers. There social skills are usually not like other
children and they may also have communication barrier causing them to be
misunderstood.
Children with autism may not be able to understand what other kids are saying
or mean to say and may also avoid playing or talking to others. They are very
often misunderstood and are easy target for harsh behavior and bullying.
It’s not just the fellow children, even schools staff or other elders may
also be treating the child harshly.
Instances of bullying must be taken seriously as they can lead to depression,
anxiety, and even suicidal behaviour. Such children go on to become bullies
themselves too.
For parents, safety of children is a prime concern. Parents of children with
autism need to be doubly careful as there is a greater chance that their
children become targets. Studies show that children with disabilities are
more likely to be bullied as compared to other children.
Here are some signs to know if the child is getting bullied.
• Feeling unwell, trying to avoid school.
• Losing things at school.
• Injuries or marks that can’t be explained.
• Feeling more anxious, increased stimming or aggression.
• Avoiding communication and preferring isolation.
• Loss of interest in activities.
Bullying can come in many forms such as verbal harshness, physical assault,
written or oral threats, threats, name-calling, abuse, and humiliating
behavior. Chennai parent Ananthi Kathir has seen her son
being bullied and urges parents to watch out for waning signs.
Bullying is a major issue and one that needs to be taken seriously. Parents
need to spend more time with their children, even while in school. Parents
can go to the school with children with autism and help boost their
confidence and make them feel safe. Communication with teachers needs to be
maintained all the time. There are times when even teachers over scold
children with autism and that is not a good thing. – Ananthi
Kathir, Parent
The law provides protection to every child with disability against
discrimination, violence and gives the right to live with dignity and
respect.
Here is what parents and the school can do:
• Communicate with the child as much as possible and be supportive.
• If the child is not able to speak up, encourage them to write or draw.
• Let the child know he is not alone and it’s not his fault.
• Let the bullied child know its ok to speak about the issue even if it’s
against a fellow student.
• Let the school authorities know about the situation.
• Parents can try to talk to school to create awareness about autism so
that kids understand more about the child with autism.
• Encouraging children to speak against their bullies and report them.
• Motivating other children to intervene when they see someone getting
bullied.
• Ensuring that the staff is alert and looking out for vulnerable children.
• Making stricter policy against harsh behaviour by teachers or staff
members.
Vijayalakshmi Sridhar says that one way to prevent this is
for all schools to become inclusive. “My son faced a lot of problems in the
old school due to lack of inclusion and awareness in the school staff. They
could not understand the child’s condition as the child was not able to
verbally communicate. They used to complain against the child all the time
without bothering to help him. The constant scolding and rude behaviour was
unbearable,” she says.
Vijayalakshmi says she was left with no option but to change schools. “The
change in school has made things better for my child but I feel that schools
need to be made inclusive and nurturing for children with autism. Parents
have to worry about a safe environment for child”.
It is important to understand that bullying is not the casual banter among
classmates and can have further negative effects on children with autism who
are already facing social and behavioural challenges.
ALSO READ:
Parenting Corner –
Keeping children with autism hydrated
Source: https://newzhook.com/story/parenting-corner-bullying-children-with-autism-inclusion-school
