My child on the autism spectrum is the recipient of teasing, mean comments, and even bullying. I wrote about it last week at New Jersey Moms Blog and Autism Sucks Rocks.Enough is Enough.
Is your child with Autism bullied and teased? How do you handle it? Any tips, ideas or advice?
Share your stories here:
7 comments:
I cry a lot behind closed doors, in the shower- Wherever my 11 year old aspie can't hear/see me.
I am thankful for this topic because I would like to see what other moms have to offer.
This is such a widespread problem and I've yet to find a solution. Telling him to suck it up (by well meaning friends/family) is maddening.
I have no idea what you are going through since my children don't have autism but just wanted to express my sympathies that your child is experiencing bullying! I can't even imagine how much that must hurt seeing your child go through this :-(
i love hello kitty stuff too c:
i think you you should consult a specialist or even research on it i'll try to help because i have researched about this in my college days i'll try to find time okay c:
My daughter has not been bullied at school. But, we had a bad experience last Easter when her own cousins were laughing at her. It was very upsetting. I informed my sister in laws and they talked to their children. But, now we just avoid gatherings on my husband's side of the family. It is not worth it.
Hello,
I found your site by googling "Bullies and Autism". I live in San Antonio, Texas.
I learned today that I am the mother of a 12 year old bully. I was called by his teacher to let me know he and a couple of other children are bullying a child with Autism in his art class.
Needless to say, I am livid at his behavior. Ironically, he has been raised in a compassionate home and has been around compassion for children with different needs his entire life. My mother is a special education teacher and only shares the great stories of her "angels" with us.
What do you all suggest that I do to eliminate this? I have a feeling that my son is also the victim of peer pressure but that does not excuse his behavior. I thought maybe making him read a book about Autism or having him spend time with a child with Autism may open his eyes. Any suggestions?
My apologies on behalf of all the mothers who's children are the "mean ones".
Thank you!
Laura
Gus is still pretty young, but there have been a few instances of people being quite mean to him - one was a big old grown man screaming at a kid (6 at the time). In that instance, my daughter (4 at the time) went and very politely made the man feel like the a**hole he was being. The other times, I've forced myself to let Gus handle it. When it's just verbal taunts, he tends to not even be aware of the nasty intent behind the words and he ignores it - at this point. When the child being mean was a neighbor's son, I had a chat with him and I basically avoid having Gus play with him. There was one incident where a little boy was becoming aggressive with Gus. Without getting directly involved, I gave him 'the look' to let him know I was aware of what he was doing & he backed off. Gus thought he was playing, so there was no harm done. I found out later that the boy also has some level of special needs, so I'm glad I didn't go ballistic.
I am not aware of much bullying at school because Gus is in a self-contained class and doesn't interact with the rest of the school that much. I remember last year that some kindergarten girls were being pretty snotty to him on the playground, and it bothered him a little, but he wouldn't say too much. It made me sad and angry to hear it, but I know I can't protect him from everything. He's coping so far. I've already decided that if it gets to be a problem, I will homeschool him - I won't have his psyche or his physical person destroyed because kids are being jerks. Is that an inappropriate response? Maybe.
I tried to get him into karate so he could at least physically defend himself, but that was a disaster. I'm interested to see what others have to say.
@Anonymous - I think having your son spend some time around kids with autism is a great idea. Maybe he can volunteer as a buddy or mentor for an autistic kid and then maybe he'll gain a better understanding of the situation. For example, our local soccer team has NT kids give a Saturday to help the special needs team on the field. It's a wonderful way for them to learn how to interact with the special needs kids in a fun environment. Gus has met some very kind kids that way.
Temple Grandin on Autism Inclusion and the "R" word
Dr. Grandin discusses some bullying and teasing issues that can take place with "smart aspergers kids" when they are in high school.
http://www.bonbongazette.com/2009/01/temple-grandin-on-autism-inclusion-and.html
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