Parenting a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) comes with its unique challenges, one of which is ensuring their well-being in social settings, such as school or extracurricular activities. Children with ASD may be more vulnerable to bullying due to their social and communication differences. As a parent, it's crucial to be vigilant and observant to detect signs that your child with ASD might be experiencing bullying, especially as children with ASD may face more difficulties with communicating their experiences. They might also not realise when they are getting bullied. In this article, we'll explore how to recognize the signs and what steps you can take to address the issue.
Changes in behaviour
One of the most noticeable signs that your child with ASD may be getting bullied is a sudden and unexplained change in their behaviour. Keep an eye out for:
Withdrawal: Your child may start to withdraw from social interactions or avoid situations where they might encounter the bully. They may also avoid places or activities they once enjoyed to steer clear of potential bullying.
Aggression: Sometimes, children respond to bullying by becoming more aggressive. They may lash out verbally or physically.
Refusal to attend school: If your child starts refusing to go to school or participate in activities they once enjoyed, it's essential to investigate further. This also includes frequent complaints of feeling unwell that result in absences from school or other activities with peers.
Changes in Academic Performance
A decline in school performance can be a sign that your child is struggling emotionally due to bullying. Keep an eye out for:
Dropping grades: Sudden decreases in academic performance without a clear explanation.
Difficulty concentrating: Your child may find it hard to focus on their schoolwork because they are preoccupied with the bullying.
Emotional Changes
Children who are being bullied may display emotional changes, such as:
Increased anxiety or depression: Your child may exhibit heightened signs of anxiety or depression.
Mood swings: Abrupt shifts in mood, such as becoming unusually sad, anxious, or irritable, especially during or before school days.
Fear of school: Expressing fear or reluctance about going to school is a significant red flag, especially when it is sudden.
Unexplained Injuries
Watch for unexplained injuries or signs of physical harm, such as bruises, cuts, or scrapes. If your child is hesitant to discuss how these injuries occurred, it could be a sign that they are hiding something. Other physical signs such as bedwetting may also be an indicator.
Loss or damage of Belongings
Bullies may target your child's personal items. Take note if your child frequently loses or has their possessions damaged, such as school supplies, clothing, or toys. Similarly, if your child is hesitant or unable to share about how these happened, it might be a cause for concern.
Conclusion
It's crucial for parents of children with ASD to be vigilant and proactive in identifying signs of bullying. Open and supportive communication with your child is key to understanding their experiences. Other forms of communication such as writing or drawing can also be helpful if your child is unwilling to talk. If you suspect your child is being bullied, don't hesitate to reach out to teachers, school counsellors, or therapists who specialise in working with children with ASD. By taking action promptly, you can help ensure your child has a safe and nurturing environment to thrive in and develop strategies to address bullying effectively.
Written by: Hayley
References
Anderson, C. (2014). IAN research report: Bullying and children with ASD. Interactive Autism Network. Retrieved 17 September 2020 from http://iancommunity.org/print/13429.
Carr-Gregg, M. (2011). Bullying: Effects, prevalence and strategies for detection. Australian Family Physician, 40(3), 98-102. doi: 10.1177/183693910402900304.
Humphrey, N., & Hebron, J. (2015). Bullying of children and adolescents with autism spectrum conditions: A ‘state of the field’ review. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 19(8), 845-862. doi: 10.1080/13603116.2014.981602.
Kabaki-Sisto, K. (2021) ‘How Do You Know When Your ASD Child is Being Bullied?’, Autism Parenting Magazine, 15 November.
Schroeder, J.H., Cappadocia, M.C., Bebko, J.M., Pepler, D.J., & Weiss, J.A. (2014). Shedding light on a pervasive problem: A review of research on bullying experiences among children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(7), 1520-1534. doi: 10.1007/s10803-013-2011-8.
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