Recognising the Signs of Bullying

Recognising the Signs of Bullying

Recognising signs of bullying in autistic children can be difficult. Autistic children and teenagers often struggle to communicate their experiences and may not realise when they are being bullied, especially if the bullying is subtle. They might even mistake friendly interactions for bullying.

Since they often have difficulty understanding others’ intentions and expressing incidents of bullying, it’s important to look out for various signs. Each child may react differently depending on the severity of the bullying, their communication skills, and personality.

Here are some signs to watch for:

Physical Signs

Your child might:

  • Have unexplained bruises, cuts, and scratches.
  • Come home with missing or damaged belongings or clothes.
  • Come home hungry.
  • Wet the bed.
Behavioural Signs

Your child might:

  • Refuse to go to school.
  • Be scared of walking or catching the bus to school.
  • Start doing poorly in school.
  • Avoid social events they previously enjoyed.
  • Ask for money but refuse to say what it’s for.
Emotional Signs

Your child might:

  • Have nightmares.
  • Cry a lot.
  • Get angry or aggressive more than usual.
  • Experience mood swings.
  • Seem worried or stressed.
  • Withdraw from social interactions.
  • Stammer.
  • Not want to talk about what’s bothering them.
Technology Signs

Your child might:

  • Get upset during or after using technology.
  • Spend much longer than usual online or stop using their computer or phone.
  • Hide their screen or stop what they’re doing when you’re around.
Other Signs

Your child might:

  • Complain of feeling sick or having a stomach ache.
  • Have changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
  • Start bullying others.

Communicating With Your Child About Bullying

If you suspect your autistic child is being bullied, it’s crucial to listen and talk with them to understand what’s happening. Calm and caring conversations help your child feel loved and supported.

Communicate in a way that suits your child’s style. Many autistic children respond well to clear and direct communication. Ask questions like, “Did something happen at school today that made you feel sad?”

Your child might also prefer to write, draw, or point to pictures to express their feelings. Picture books and social stories can be useful tools. You can also ask siblings if they’ve noticed anything and take notes to keep track.

When talking to your child:

  • Stay calm: Speak without anger or upset.
  • Listen carefully: Give your full attention.
  • Show support: Assure your child that you believe them, it’s not their fault, and they are not alone.
  • Discuss solutions: Ask what they want to happen and agree on a way forward together.

Other Reading

Understanding Bulliying
in Autistic Children

How to Help If Your
Child Is Being Bullied

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