Bullying Leads to Emotional Trauma in Autistic Children

Bullying can have adverse and long-lasting impact on autistic children. According to a new study, a significant number of autistic children experience emotional trauma after they become victims of bullying at school.

The findings come at a time when about one in every 88 children in the country is affected with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or the developmental disorder that leads to significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.

Bullying is the kind of behavior intended to hurt others, physically or mentally. According to the American Psychological Association, about 70 percent of middle and high school students become victims of bullying every year.

Researchers from the Interactive Autism Network of the Kennedy Krieger Institute found children diagnosed with ASD, Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression at higher risks of being bullied at school and autistic children with conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder more likely to bully others.

For the study, researchers interviewed more than 1,200 parents. Parents completed an online questionnaire related to their child's school environment, history of being bullied at school, finally children's educational and psychological status.

With the help of a method known as Parent Observation of Child Adaptation (POCA), researchers collected details about the children's mental condition after experiencing bullying.

They found nearly 38 percent of children experiencing bullying within a month and about 28 percent becoming victims to bullying more often.  About 69 percent of the victims reported suffering from an emotional trauma or physical injury (8 percent).

"Our results provide insights that will help teachers and school staff identify children with autism who may be at the greatest risk for bullying involvement, either as victims or perpetrators," Dr. Paul Law, senior study author said in a news release.

"Outside of school, parents should be encouraged to talk to their child about bullying, particularly if they are concerned their child may be a victim. Parents should also set up appointments to talk to the staff or teachers at their child's school to learn more about how they can work to prevent bullying and help children involved in bullying cope with the consequences."

The study has been published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics.