Approximately 30% of children are involved in bullying. Either as the bullies, victims or bully/victims. Most studies involving bullying are focused on the general education population. This study focused on children with Autism. Children in inclusive settings have a tendency to experience being bullied on a more regular basis. This study looked at 1221 children from all socioeconomic backgrounds and all ethnicities. All parents were asked the question, "How does your child get along with other children" and " How would you describe your child's academic performance?" After answering the previous questions they were asked if their child was ever bullied. The children were followed over a year to document their experiences. Bullying was defined as “when a person or group of people repeatedly say or do mean or hurtful things to someone on purpose. It typically occurs when there is a powerimbalance.” (Nansel et al., 2001; Olweus, 1993).
The results were as follows: Children with Aspergers were more likely to be a victim of bullying. African American children as a group were targeted. Children with low academic abilities had low instances in being bullied while those who had a hard time making friends were more likely to be bullied. The findings of this study are that who spend a great deal of time in a general education setting with typical peers may have the greatest risk of being bullied. While there are many benefits having children in inclusive setting teachers will need to be aware of the greater risks of bullying towards these children in an inclusive setting.
I have often wondered if children with disabilities that are in inclusive settings have a higher risk of being bullied. According to this article children who are high functioning are at a greater risk. We do not currently have any children who fit the criteria of this article at our school. We do however have several children that have been diagnosed with downs syndrome. The entire staff at our school are concerned about other children bullying these children. This article makes me think that this should be a great concern for the staff at our school. I did find this article interesting and useful for me. One surprising factor was that the higher functioning the child the more likely to be bullied. I wonder if this is because the lower functioning children are so much different that children are more accepting of the differences. Children who are high functioning may appear to be more equal peers and this makes the behavioral differences seem greater. Teachers may need to provide explanations to the children in the classroom that although some children may seem the same and can function academically socially they are at a disadvantage.
Risk factors for bullying among children with autism spectrum disorders
Zablotsky B., Bradshaw C.P., Anderson C.M., Law P.
(2014) Autism, 18 (4) , pp. 419-427.
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteBullying is a very serious subject and I was surprised the high functioning students were bullied more. Maybe it is because they are more outgoing and supposedly have a lot of friends. Students may get jealous and then say and do hurtful things to students they feel are more popular. I think it is tough in school whether you have a disability, or an introverted personality. Kids can be so mean! I know my son who is in 8th gr. right now does not have many friends. I worry about him and would like him to find a nice bunch when he goes into high school next year. I do think some of his so called friends bully him a little. I do not like it and will be happy for next year and a fresh start! I am hoping my niece never has any problems, as you mentioned children with Aspergers were more likely to be victims.
Thank you for enlightening me on bullying!
Lori
I am glad that you decided to speak about the topic of bullying. With my job, the participants go out into their communities and become victims of bullying as well even though they are over 18. It seems that every day a new story comes up that someone was bullied because they didn't choose to do this or didn't do something for someone in the community. Bullying effects pretty much all grade levels in different forms and it is sad that it happens since it can leave a lasting negative memory on a child's life. I agree that the teacher needs to provide explanations in the classroom as to how to deal with these types of issues as tough as it can be at times. I am glad this was mentioned this week, as it brings awareness and the reality of what our students sometimes unfortunately face in their life.
ReplyDeleteNancy,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very important topic in schools, and I am glad that you brought it to our attention. I, too, was surprised that students who are higher functioning are at a greater risk of being bullied. That must be the reason why students with Asperger's are the most likely to be bullied out of those with ASD. I hope that the continuation of inclusion in the classrooms will make students more understanding of their differences and less likely to engage in bullying behaviors.
Great article; and I think really applicable to our work as special education teachers. I know from my experience with students and my nephews, higher functioning students academically still may struggle with understanding social situations and social language. Because they appear "normal" kids can be surprised and mean when these students struggle socially. Students with low-incidence disabilities (physical disabilities or more severe disabilities) may be bullied less because their disability is more apparent to the outside eye, so people may have more compassion towards them because of that.
ReplyDelete