In recent years, the prevalence of bullying among children and adults with disabilities globally has been an issue that demands urgent attention. While bullying can affect any child, those with disabilities, particularly children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), are at a much higher risk.
Whether it’s in the classroom, on the playground, or online, children with autism face challenges that can lead to emotional and psychological trauma, often leaving them isolated and misunderstood.
The question now is not just about the extent of the problem but about our collective responsibility, society, and parents to combat this bullying and ensure a safe, inclusive environment for all children.
The Widespread Issue of Bullying
Bullying is a deeply ingrained problem within many societies . According to a 2021 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), children with disabilities are more likely to experience violence, abuse, and bullying.
These children often struggle to communicate effectively or understand social cues, making them prime targets for ridicule and exclusion. Sadly, this situation is not unique to developed countries; it also affects many Nigerian children, especially those with autism.
Children with ASD are often subjected to bullying because of behaviors that may appear “different” to their peers, such as repetitive actions, sensory sensitivities, and difficulty in understanding social norms.
While many families in Nigeria have grown accustomed to this painful reality, it’s important to reflect on the long-term consequences of such bullying. The psychological toll can be overwhelming.
Children with autism often face heightened anxiety, depression, and a lack of self-esteem as a result of being mistreated. These emotional scars can extend into adulthood, affecting their mental health and ability to function effectively in society.
In Nigeria, where awareness of autism is still developing, children with ASD are often isolated, both at school and in their communities.
Society’s Role in Combating Bullying
At the societal level, much of the bullying that children with autism face stems from ignorance and cultural stigma. In Nigeria, there are still significant misconceptions about disabilities, particularly autism.
Many people lack the knowledge to understand that autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a behavior that can be “cured” or controlled through conventional means. As a result, children with autism are often labeled as “troublesome” or “difficult,” which sets the stage for bullying.
The stigma around disability, including autism, is compounded by traditional beliefs that regard disabilities as a punishment or a sign of bad luck. These harmful perceptions contribute to social exclusion, further marginalizing children with autism.
Without proper education and awareness, the cycle of bullying is likely to persist, not only in schools but also in communities where misconceptions about autism are prevalent.
However, the tide is slowly turning. Individuals like Adeola Dorcas Folorunso, a Nigerian-Canadian humanitarian and health advocate, are working tirelessly to create awareness and offer solutions.
Through her work with Matermental, a non-governmental organization she founded, Folorunso has been at the forefront of raising awareness about mental health and disabilities in Nigeria. In 2024, she organized a free dental outreach program for children with ASD in Iwo, Osun State, where over 150 children received dental care.
This initiative was aimed at alleviating the sensory challenges that children with autism often face regarding dental treatments. Such community-led projects are essential in raising awareness about autism and its associated challenges, while also providing practical solutions to families who need them.
Folorunso’s work highlights the importance of community-driven efforts in educating the public about disabilities. People must recognize the importance of inclusion and acceptance.
Anti-bullying campaigns, public health programs, and educational initiatives can go a long way in changing societal attitudes and creating safer spaces for children with disabilities.
Parental Responsibility: Advocating for Change
While societal change is necessary, parents also have a critical role to play in preventing bullying and supporting their children with disabilities. One of the first steps that parents can take is to become well-informed about autism and other disabilities.
By learning about the condition, parents can better understand their child’s behaviors, needs, and challenges. This knowledge not only teaches parents to advocate for their children but also enables them to communicate more effectively with teachers, school staff, and healthcare providers.
Advocacy is essential in ensuring that children with autism receive the support they need. In Nigeria, where public awareness about autism is still limited, parents often have to fight for their children’s rights.
Parents should be proactive in working with schools to implement inclusive education programs, which foster understanding and acceptance. These programs can help reduce bullying by promoting empathy among children and educating teachers on how to better support children with autism.
Folorunso, who has also been a mentor to many families and children, emphasizes the importance of early intervention. Parents need to identify the signs of autism as early as possible and seek professional help.
Early diagnosis can make a significant difference in a child’s development, as it opens the door to early intervention services such as speech therapy, behavioral therapy, and social skills training.
These therapies not only help children with autism learn essential life skills but can also reduce the likelihood of bullying by addressing the behaviors that may make a child vulnerable.
Strengthening School Systems and Communities
Another crucial aspect of addressing bullying is the role of schools and educators. Schools should be safe spaces for all children, including those with disabilities. Unfortunately, many schools in Nigeria lack the resources and training necessary to provide an inclusive environment for children with autism.
Teachers may not have the knowledge or tools to accommodate children with special needs, leading to misunderstandings and, in some cases, bullying.
To address this, schools should adopt inclusive education policies and provide ongoing training for teachers on how to work with students with disabilities. Creating an environment where children with autism are accepted and understood is key to preventing bullying.
This can be achieved by incorporating disability education into the curriculum, fostering peer relationships through structured activities, and providing support through counselors or special education teachers.
In the article “Bullying and Children with Autism: How to Help Your Child” from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the author discusses how parents can support their children in dealing with bullying.
It’s important to emphasize that being bullied is never the child’s fault. As parents, it’s your role to help your child understand this and encourage them to report any mean or hurtful behavior to a teacher or staff member. You can also help your child develop coping skills for managing bullying by:
- Teaching them to assess the situation and respond appropriately to the severity of the behavior (e.g., distinguishing between mild teasing and bullying).
- Role-playing assertive responses, such as saying, “Hey, stop. Leave me alone.”
- Practicing phrases your child can use to ask for help from an adult.
The benefits of such programs are immense: they not only reduce bullying but also promote diversity and empathy, values that are crucial for building a more compassionate society.
Moreover, schools must implement strict anti-bullying policies and ensure that they are enforced. These policies should outline clear consequences for bullying and provide mechanisms for reporting incidents.
It’s not enough to just discourage bullying; schools must create a zero-tolerance environment where bullying is actively prevented, and any incidents are addressed immediately.
Empowering Children with Disabilities
At the heart of these efforts is the empowerment of children with disabilities. It’s not enough to simply protect them from bullying; they must also be equipped with the tools to advocate for themselves.
Parents and caregivers can teach children with autism essential social and emotional skills, such as how to assert themselves, recognize when they are being mistreated, and seek help when needed.
Inclusion programs, like those Folorunso has supported through Matermental, are key in helping children with autism connect with others who share similar experiences.
These programs provide children with a sense of belonging and teach them important social skills that can reduce isolation. Additionally, peer support groups can serve as a safe space for children to share their experiences and offer mutual encouragement.
The Path Forward: A Call to Action
As we look to the future, it’s clear that tackling bullying amongst children with disabilities requires a collective effort. Parents, educators, healthcare providers, and community leaders must all take responsibility for creating an environment that fosters inclusion and acceptance.
Policies that protect children with disabilities must be enforced, and public awareness campaigns should continue to shed light on the challenges faced by children with autism.
It is time for society to embrace the idea that children with autism and other disabilities are not burdens, but valuable members of our communities. As Folorunso’s work shows, change is possible when we come together and actively work toward a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Conclusion
You, as a member of society, have the power to help make a difference. Whether you’re a parent advocating for your child, a teacher creating an inclusive classroom, or a community member working to raise awareness, your efforts can help reduce bullying and create a better world for children with autism and other disabilities. Let’s take responsibility for shaping a future where every child, regardless of their abilities, can grow up in an environment of love, respect, and acceptance.
Reference
Violence against children with disabilities: legislation, policies and programmes in the EU – https://violenceagainstchildren.un.org/sites/violenceagainstchildren.un.org/files/documents/political_declarations/europe/violence_against_children_with_disabilities_legislation_policies_and_programmes_in_the_eu.pdf
Bullying and Children with Autism: How to Help Your Child – https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/bullying-and-children-autism-how-help-your-child
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Why Do We Know So Little? – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6107753/
