A new study has revealed that almost 50 per cent of teenagers with autism spectrum disorder are bullied in school.
The American research, which was published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, showed that 46 per cent of autistic adolescents are the victims of peer bullying.
Bullying can lead to adolescent depression, anxiety and loneliness, which can affect children with autism in a greater way because they may already be struggling in school.
The study was conducted by questioning the parents of autistic children about whether or not their child had been bullied in school.
According to Fox News, researchers believe that anti-bullying campaigns should be focused on the vulnerable populations of the schoolyard, such as children with autism and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Nearly half of children with autism are bullied in school
Leading researcher Paul R. Sterzing said: “I would argue that the bullying interventions that we’re using now, if not tailored, are ineffective.”
Sterzing also suggested that the problem will grow along with the number of children diagnosed with autism.
Debra J. Pepler, who researches bullying among vulnerable children at York University in Toronto said that measures need to be put into place to protect teenagers with autism.
She said it is important to make it clear to every child in the classroom “that everyone has the right to be safe, and just because someone is different doesn’t mean it’s OK to make fun of them or bully them.”
If you feel that your child is being bullied it’s important to be proactive. Here’s our advice when it comes to tackling the difficult situation.
