Children and adults with Asperger’s syndrome are often targeted by bullies and do not know how to handle them. This can be overcome with training.
Because people with Asperger’s syndrome act in a manner that is different to the norm, they are prime targets for bullying and teasing. In spite of their difficulties with social skills, this victimization can be deeply hurtful. In his book, The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome, Tony Attwood makes some recommendations about handling the problem of bullying.
Why are People with Asperger’s Syndrome Bullied?
Bullies tend to target those who are weaker and appear different. A person with Asperger’s syndrome has difficulties in several areas, including social interaction and speech. They misunderstand sarcasm and metaphors and may speak in a stilted, pedantic manner. Add to this the probability that they have an obsessional interest and unintentionally monopolize conversations. Just one of these factors would attract a bully but the combination of several makes people with Asperger’s syndrome prime targets. Tony Attwood states that in some studies, the rate of bullying towards those with Asperger’s syndrome was four times higher than towards their peers.
How Can Bullying Affect Those with Asperger’s Syndrome?
Bullying manifests in many forms that range from teasing to physical abuse. It is described as repeated negative actions with negative intent, and an imbalance of power in the interaction. The results of bullying include the following:
low self-esteem anxiety depression lower academic achievement increased social isolation inability to understand what provoked the bullying and how to deal with it provocation to the point where the victim responds
with violence
These problems are often present in people with Asperger’s syndrome anyway and bullying can greatly amplify their effect.
Ways to Reduce and Cope with Bullying
While bullying is generally considered to be a problem in schools, it is also present in the work place. There are a number of measures that can be introduced to try and reduce and eradicate bullying but these normally require a group effort:
Schools and work places need to implement a code of conduct about bullying and determine what it is and how to handle it. Staff training to enable them to recognize bullying and intervene is needed. Fairness in dealing with the situation is also needed. People with Asperger’s syndrome have a highly developed sense of what is fair and just. Input from peers and education about why some people are different is helpful. Teach the person to head to a place where there are lots of people. Isolated areas encourage bullying. Use simple, one-line verbal responses such as, “What you are doing is making me feel angry.” Follow this up by stating the intention to report the behavior. Supply age-appropriate fiction in which the main character experiences bullying and handles it correctly. Consider enrolling a child in a course on self protection
Bullying can be a big problem in school and the work place and people with Asperger’s syndrome tend to be targeted. The best way to handle this is by working as a team and educating people about bullying. It can be helpful to teach a person with Asperger’s syndrome how to respond and a course on self-protection may be a good idea.
Reference:
Attwood, Tony, The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2006.