Autism and Bullying: Why Does It Happen?

Bullying is an issue for all adolescents and teens. However, there’s a growing connection between autism and bullying that worries parents about what their children may be going through. Autistic children experience abusive behavior from peers nearly half of the time. That’s about twice as often as bullying experienced by average adolescents, according to the National Bullying Prevention Center.

Autistic individuals may struggle with social cues and behave differently from their peers, making them more vulnerable to bullying. Their social challenges can also make it harder to seek help from adults.

The Impact of social challenges on bullying and mental health

Autistic individuals often struggle with theory of mind, making it difficult to recognize when others are being insincere. This can lead to confusion and vulnerability in social interactions. Studies show that as autistic individuals gain more inclusion in mainstream education and activities, bullying increases. 

This not only hinders their educational progress but also contributes to serious mental health risks, including a troubling link between bullying and suicide.

As one young woman writes, “One of my biggest weaknesses is in theory of mind. I fully believe what people are telling me is what they believe and their actions will be reflective of their words. When this does not happen, there is incongruence and this event is very confusing to me.”

She continues, “I don’t understand how someone could say they care about me, yet their selfish actions hurt me. I will become physically uncomfortable if someone does something against their word. However, I do believe the best in people, so I give more chances than I should to people.”

Why do autistic people get bullied?

Due to autism’s invisible nature and social challenges, autistic children, especially those with Asperger’s, are easy targets for bullying and exploitation.

Once targeted, autistic children often struggle to stand up for themselves due to low confidence and difficulty managing frustration. Dr. David Camenish of Seattle Children’s Hospital notes that experiences like eating alone, being picked last for teams, or missing party invitations are common, further damaging self-esteem.

Failed attempts at inclusion can lead to a higher tolerance for mistreatment, making them more vulnerable to bullying and social exploitation.

Mainstreaming autistic students in a busy classroom presents unique challenges for teachers, especially when balancing accommodations without singling out those with special needs.

Author John Elder Robison highlights a common struggle for autistic teenagers: the desire for acceptance without being forced to change. While every person shares this need, autistic individuals may face unique behavioral challenges that make social inclusion more difficult. 

Robison emphasizes that autism is highly individual, and one-size-fits-all approaches—especially in bullying prevention—are ineffective. Instead, tailored support and understanding are essential.

Challenges with managing autism bullying

Traditional bullying prevention strategies, such as self-advocacy steps suggested by the National Bullying Prevention Center, can be especially difficult for students on the autism spectrum.

Autistic students often want to fit in but struggle to stop the bullying due to communication challenges. These barriers can make seeking help nearly impossible.

Autistic individuals are also at higher risk for mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, often linked to experiences of bullying or being perceived as “different.”

Educators, while often trained to handle bullying, may be limited by a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which can restrict their ability to provide personalized solutions. This one-size-fits-all approach may not effectively address the unique needs of autistic students.

Research shows that peer intervention is one of the most effective ways to address bullying. Victims reported that support from classmates, such as offering companionship or seeking adult assistance, was crucial in defusing bullying situations.

This article was featured in Issue 80 – Conquering Challenges With ASD

FAQs

Q: How do autistic people respond to bullying?

A: Autistic individuals may respond to bullying with increased anxiety, depression, or withdrawal. Some may also have difficulty expressing their emotions or defending themselves due to challenges with social communication.

Q: What percentage of people with autism are bullied?

A: Studies suggest that approximately 60-80% of individuals with autism experience bullying at some point in their lives. The high rates highlight the vulnerability of autistic individuals to social mistreatment.

Q: Why are autistic people vulnerable to bullying?

A: Autistic individuals may be vulnerable to bullying due to challenges in social interactions, difficulty understanding social cues, and differences in communication. These factors can make them easy targets for others who may exploit these differences.

Q: What are the signs of bullying?

A: Signs of bullying include changes in behavior, such as increased anxiety, withdrawal, or reluctance to go to school or social events. Physical signs, like unexplained bruises or torn clothing, may also indicate bullying.