Why Do Autistic People Get Bullied?

Bullying is an issue that affects many children and even adults. However, bullying can have an even more severe impact on people struggling with autism, contributing to problems such as lack of progress at school or work, reduced self-esteem, etc. Thus, it is essential to understand the reasons why people with autism might be easy targets for bullying. Deep diving into these reasons can also help us create inclusive and safe environments for people with autism.

This article discusses the reasons why people with autism may be more prone to bullying and also offers a few ways to cope with it.

• Lack of Awareness Among Peers

One of the major reasons why autistic people are bullied is simply a lack of understanding. Many people do not know what autism is and how it may influence a person’s behaviour. They may even have biases or misconceptions about the condition. This lack of awareness may make people with autism seem ‘odd’ or different as compared to other peers, leading them to be easy targets for bullying or teasing. Thus, spreading awareness about autism can be an effective step towards reducing bullying.  

• Difficulties With Social Cues

People with autism often experience difficulties interpreting social cues, like body language or tone of voice, making it hard for them to participate in social interactions. This may lead to misunderstandings where people with autism may be perceived as ‘lonely’ or aloof by others around them, making them more susceptible to bullying and teasing.

• Difficulties Maintaining Friendships

As discussed above, people with autism often struggle with social cues and social interactions. Thus, they can have a lot of difficulties making friends, even if they want to participate or initiate conversations. A lack of friends often leads to isolation and loneliness, which can make them vulnerable to bullying as bullies are likely to target those with low social support.

• Self-Esteem Issues

Lack of social connections and isolation combined with other difficulties can severely affect the self-esteem of people with autism. Constantly feeling “different” or struggling in social settings can make them feel inferior or insecure. Bullies may take advantage of these insecurities, knowing that the victim might not be able to stand up for themselves.

• Taking Things At Face Value

Due to the difficulty in understanding social cues and body language, people with autism are likely to take things at face value without understanding their deeper meanings. Which can make them take jokes or teasing at face value. They may not realize when someone is being sarcastic or joking. This may make it difficult for them to realize that they are being bullied, making them more prone to bullying.

How To Stand Up To Bullying?

While it may seem difficult, people with autism can take several steps to counter bullying, such as:

1. Educate your peers about your condition with the help of your parents and teachers.  Increasing awareness about autism can build empathy and understanding, making it less likely for peers to bully.
2. Seek support from your parents and teachers regarding instances of bullying
3. Schools and workplaces often have policies in place to prevent any kind of bullying. Thus, seek support from appropriate higher authorities if bullying is persistent
4. Remember that bullying is not your fault. So, be kind and compassionate towards yourself and avoid self-blame. 
5. If possible, ignoring bullies and not reacting to their provocations can sometimes discourage their behavior.
6. Try to stay in safe places or supervised areas and surround yourself with trusted friends or peers to reduce the likelihood of being exposed to bullies.

Conclusion:

While bullying affects many people, people with autism might be more vulnerable to it due to a lack of awareness among peers and a social skills deficit, which makes it harder for them to recognize the signs of bullying. However, by educating peers about the condition, school authorities and workplaces can create a safe, empathic and inclusive environment for those with autism. 

References:

1. 3 Reasons kids on the autism spectrum may be more susceptible to bullying—Lake Ridge Community Support Services. (n.d.). Retrieved November 6, 2024, from https://www.lrcss.com/blog/3-reasons-kids-with-asd-are-susceptible-to-bullying
2. Bullying in the Workplace – Information for Autistic People | Autism Space. (n.d.). Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from https://www.leicspart.nhs.uk/autism-space/employment/bullying-of-autistic-people-in-the-workplace/
3. Bullying statistics and facts | Autism Speaks. (n.d.). Retrieved November 6, 2024, from https://www.autismspeaks.org/bullying-statistics