Every autistic child and young person has individual needs and abilities. Spending time getting to know your autistic pupil and their individual profile will be crucial, as behaviours and support strategies vary from child to child. 

In this guide you will find information about what bullying is, why autistic students are more likely to be bullied, and how you can help.
 

What is bullying? 

The is no definition of bullying in legislation. Anti-bullying organisations suggest that bullying could involve: 

• name calling 
• making fun or teasing 
• spreading rumours  
• ignoring or leaving out 
• threatening or humiliating 
• pushing, pulling, hitting, kicking or other physical acts 
• taking or interfering with money or other items 

The internet and mobile phones mean bullying can now happen both during the school day and out of school hours. Online or cyber bullying includes bullying via text messages, emails, websites, online gaming, instant messaging and social networks.
 

Why are autistic pupils more likely to be bullied? 

Autistic people can be more vulnerable to bullies because they may: 

• have difficulty communicating and lack the expected social skills 
• find it harder to predict other people's behaviour, interpret body language or facial expressions and guess what they’re thinking or feeling 
• display distressed behaviour or behaviour that isn’t understood such as stimming 
• find it hard to form and maintain friendships, leaving them socially isolated 

Bullying can lead to an increase in anxiety at school and school refusal.
 

How to help autistic pupils 

Here are some ways you can help: 

• teach autism awareness and acceptance 
• provide support during unstructured times such as break and lunch times  
• ensure that all staff, including break and lunch time support staff, have understanding autism training 
• have a zero tolerance ‘no bullying’ policy and ensure that all staff are aware of procedures.
   

Cyberbullying 

Autistic children and young people can find social networking, forums, emailing, instant messaging, texting and online gaming an easier way to socialise. 
 
Anyone can experience cyberbullying, but autistic children and young people may not be able to recognise it as that due to a lack of social understanding.