Many children with ADHD and autism are unfortunately bullied for various reasons.
- There’s a lack of education and understanding about ADHD and autism so many children see them as “the other” instead of being a part of the group.
- Many children with ADHD and autism struggle with to communicate in social contexts as they may be literal and miss jokes or sarcasm. This can lead to misunderstandings, which can cause them to have a difficult time forming close relationships.
- Some children also have difficulty regulating their emotions or expressing them which can cause others around to feel distressed.
- Children with ADHD and autism might engage in impulsive behavior, such as stimming, that others might have annoying or odd.
It’s important to note that your child is not at fault. As educators and teachers, it’s our responsibility to stand up for our children, intervene on their behalf and educate them.
The following are quick steps you can take to help your child with ADH and autism when they are being bullied.
Actionable Steps:
#1. Stay Calm
This sounds simple when your child is being bullied, it’s incredibly difficult to remain calm and clear minded. Take a few deep breaths, find a space to let them talk.
Let your child vent, cry and voice their thoughts. Don’t interrupt them or ask them for clarification. When they are done talking, do some deep breathing with them so that they can calm down as well. Then move on to the following step.
#2. Document Properly
Listen to your child, record what they are saying either manually or record their voice on your phone so that you have the precise information of the incidents. For example, who was involved, where did the incidents occurred, what kind of injuries were done, what were the exact dates and times of them.
If any other written documentation exists, collect those as evidence.
Additionally, make sure to note if there were any witnesses to any or all of the incidents.
#3. Take Action
Ask for a meeting with your child’s teacher first. If you aren’t getting the support that you need, then talk to the school counselor to the learning resource teacher, or to the principal.
Show them all of your documents, explain your understanding of their situation and listen to their side. Keep a clear and open mind so that you can learn about the situation as a whole.
Advocate for your child’s right to have a safe learning environment as this is their second home. Ask them about their anti-bulling policy and how they are going to look out for and help your child going forward.
#4. Practice Social Strategies
Teach your children how to react in different social situations. Role play with them so that they feel confident when they are with their peers. Show them how to say “stop,” walk away and ask for help when they are being bullied.
If you are looking for exact phrases to teach your child, check out the following links and they can learn with me.
- Check out my Social Stories Playlist where I will teach your children how to interact with people in different situations and how to make friends.
- Subscribe to my channel so that you are always in the loop when I upload new videos.
- You can also check out additional resources like activity packs or join us inside the I Am Awesome Club.
When they are ready, help them develop closer relationships with their friends by having them engage in 1-1 playdates so that they feel confident in their abilities.
Recap:
Let’s recap really quickly. Today, we looked at the following:
- A few reasons why some children with ADHD and autism are bullied.
- Quick steps to take to help your child: stay calm, document properly, take action, and practice social strategies.
Free Resources:
For a taste of the resources that were mentioned in step two, check out the following resource in my FREE Education Resource Library.
Teach your little ones how to make good choices with the following FREE Resource:
Next Steps:
If you found this video beneficial, would you do me a favor? Share this with your family, your friends, your loved ones, your co-workers or someone who you think could benefit from this. Thank you!
You’re welcome to join us inside ADHD and Autism Self Regulation by CLICKING HERE or on the fallowing image.
I’ll see you next Friday at 5:30pm PST.
Until I see you next time, remember to create, experience & teach from the heart.
Take care,
Charlotte
Disclaimer: I’m a teacher and a parent. I’m not a medical professional, so please don’t take this as medical advice. The advice that I provide in my videos and online are strategies that I have used in my own class or at home that have worked beautifully.
