ChildLine receives calls and online contacts from children and young people who have autism and want to talk about bullying.
We know that bullying can result in children feeling isolated, lonely, vulnerable, frightened and anxious and this can be particularly difficult for children with autism. It is important that any child who is being bullied has someone to turn to, who will listen and help them take action. We strongly support Anna’s desire to see bullying targeting children with autism and Asperger’s syndrome stop.
Our anti-bullying week activity in November this year will aim to demonstrate the impact of bullying and remind young people that they can talk to ChildLine confidentially and for free, online or by phone, whenever they need to.
ChildLine
Any child can be bullied, for being too tall, too clever, or for no reason at all. But children and young people with autism are even more vulnerable, because their disability can affect the way they communicate and respond. It is crucial that teachers and other staff recognize that vulnerability, and make sure the whole mainstream school community unites to stamp out bullying wherever it occurs.. Esther Rantzan