Autistic children and bullying

Autistic children and bullying

Autistic children may be at increased risk of experiencing bullying behaviour. At least 3 in 4 autistic children have experienced bullying, and at least 1 in 10 children who access our anti-bullying ZAP workshops are autistic.

These children have told us how relationships with other children can be challenging, particularly if other children respond negatively to their differences, or if they are not in a safe and supportive environment. Some autistic children can also experience higher levels of social isolation and manipulation from other children.

Resources to help autistic children who are being bullied 

Kidscape is working with autism support specialists, Reachout ASC, to improve the support we give to autistic children and their families. 

Support for Autistic Children Experiencing Bullying: A Guide for Parents and Carers 

A practical guide for parents and carers to help support autistic children, written by autism specialist teacher Lynn McCann.

'Bullying. Why me?': An accessible guide with Widgit symbols

A communication tool to help to talk to autistic children about bullying.

'What I can do if I'm being bullied': An accessible guide with Widgit symbols

A communication tool to help to talk to autistic children about what to do if they are being bullied.

Talking about bullying: An accessible guide with Widgit symbols

A tool to help autistic children to communicate about the bullying that they are experiencing.

Additional information and support 

Reachout ASC - autism support consultants for schools

Ambitious about Autism - an organisation that champions the rights of autistic children and young people 

National Autistic Society - support for autistic people and their families in the UK

Spectrum Gaming - an online community for autistic young people

Equality Advisory and Support Service - helpline on issues relating to equality and human rights 

(IPSEA) Independent Provider of Special Education Advice - free and independent legally based advice and support

SOS!SEN | The Independent Helpline for Special Education Needs - support for families to help them to secure the right special educational provision for children and young people with SEND

Contact - a charity for families with disabled children

Listen to autistic voices to learn more.  The hashtag #actuallyautistic is a great place to start.