The issue of bullying in schools, especially for neurodivergent kids, has always been a cause for concern among families and educators. Recent trends suggest that it continues to be an ongoing problem, especially for children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences.
Understanding the extent of bullying and its unique effects on the neurodivergent is crucial for families with young kids. This is the first important step in establishing safer and more supportive school environments.
Has the Incidences of Bullying Risen or Fallen?
National data indicates that bullying remains a persistent challenge. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), around 22% of students aged 12 to 18 reported experiencing bullying at school in 2023. Although this data reflects a slight decrease from the past decade, cyberbullying has surged, among middle and high school students.
TALKING POINT: Tell you child that if they know someone who is feeling hopeless, helpless, or thinking of suicide that they can call or text 988 for help
A report from the Arizona Department of Education in 2023 underscored the significance of implementing proactive anti-bullying measures in both public and charter schools.
Types of Bullying
Imagine a scenario where your usually talkative child returns home from school withdrawn, avoiding conversation, and eye contact. While you suspect bullying, your child denies any such incidents.
Children often associate bullying with physical aggression like pushing and may not recognize what is happening to them. That’s why it’s essential to discuss the four common types of bullying with your child:
1. Physical bullying: such as hitting, kicking, pushing, or damaging belongings.
2. Verbal bullying: including name-calling, teasing, threats, or inappropriate comments.
3. Social or relational bullying: like spreading rumors, exclusion, or damaging a child’s reputation or friendships.
4. Cyberbullying: employing digital devices to harass, intimidate, or embarrass others.
Each form of bullying can have detrimental effects. Many are intensified for neurodivergent children due to challenges in social communication, sensory processing, or emotional regulation.
Impact of Bullying on Neurodivergent Kids
Children with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or learning disabilities face a higher risk of being bullied. They also encounter misunderstandings from peers and adults alike.
For instance, students with ASD are up to three times more likely to experience bullying compared to their neurotypical counterparts, as reported by Autism Speaks.
Additionally, children with learning disabilities might face teasing for requiring additional support in the classroom. Communication difficulties can hinder their ability to report bullying incidents or express their emotions effectively.
The emotional repercussions of bullying can lead behaviors like anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, school avoidance, and declining academic performance, particularly for children struggling with sensory or emotional regulation issues.
FACT: Bullying is a form of youth violence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines this type of violence as any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths, that involves an observed or perceived imbalance of power, and either is or likely to be repeated.
The Parents’ Role in Addressing Bullying
Parents of neurodivergent children have a crucial role to play in both preventing and responding to bullying situations. Here are some practical steps to take right away:
- Initiate discussions early then start by asking open-ended questions about school and friendships regularly.
- Watch out for warning signs like changes in mood, sleep patterns, eating habits, or academic performance.
- Keep a record of bullying incidents, including details of occurrences and involved parties.
- Communicate concerns with teachers, counselors, or school administrators.
- Seek external support such as therapy or ABA services to help children develop coping mechanisms and self-advocacy skills.
Parents of children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans should ensure that anti-bullying measures and support strategies are incorporated into their child’s personalized plan.
School Initiatives for Supporting Neurodivergent Students
Schools that aim to support neurodivergent students must go beyond basic policies. Effective strategies include comprehensive anti-bullying education across the entire school community and specialized training. Programs promoting inclusion and empathy are also beneficial.
It is essential to train and designate staff members for handling bullying incidents and reports. Providing quiet or calming spaces for students needing emotional resets is crucial. Collaboration with families to address emotional and academic requirements is equally important.
At Rockwood Prep, we advocate for every child’s right to feel safe, acknowledged, and supported. Our educational approach prioritizes small class sizes, trained behavioral staff, and tailored autism support to facilitate the social and academic growth of neurodivergent learners.
FACT: Cyberbullying has become a major challenge for many schools, as seen by the number of suicides that can be directly traced to bullying events.
When Should You Consider a Different School Environment?
If interventions do not alleviate your child’s struggles or if the school fails to address bullying adequately, it may be time to explore alternative educational options.
Rockwood Prep caters to neurodivergent children by offering academic assistance and social-emotional tools for students aged 8 to 18. Our environment is specifically tailored to support children with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, dyslexia, and other developmental diversities.
If you have concerns about your child’s school environment, reach out to us today to learn more about how Rockwood Prep can help your student. Together, we can work towards creating a safer and more empathetic future for every child.
