Better Environment for Those with Autism

How to help your students deal with bullying?

    A survey from the Interactive Autism Network showed that almost two-thirds of children who have autism have been bullied, which means they are about three times more likely to face bullying than other children. Building an environment that focuses on the inclusion and prevention of bullying of individuals with autism starts with the educators. Educators can strengthen this by having sensory-friendly classrooms, and teaching lessons about kindness, and diversity. Educators and also offer activities and create partnerships between schools and organizations to help create a stronger support system. Through this group effort, society gives individuals with autism an opportunity to grow and succeed. Many may argue that the parents should be a main prevention and I agree. The thing with bullying is that it mostly takes place in school. Meaning the parents aren’t with them while it happens, so it would go unnoticed.    

    Children with autism are often targeted by bullies because of their behaviors and ways of communicating. Many of these kids express interests in specific topics and speak or move differently. In Jon Hamilton’s report, thirteen-year-old Abby Mahoney, who has Asperger’s syndrome, was made fun of for her interest in Star Wars and for having too much energy in class. Her classmates would tease her for her energy, and call her names. There was a kid in my school who struggled with autism and being bullied. He was always getting into trouble. He was moved to my lunch table so that my friend and I could look after him and keep him in line. After a while, I learned a lot about him and learned he and I like similar things such as music, sports, and even movies. At the end of the day, I realized he was just looking for a group of friends he felt comfortable with. Connie Anderson of the Kennedy Krieger Institute explained that children who are actively trying to make friends are often most targeted because their attempts to connect can make them easy to exploit.

    These experiences can cause emotional problems and lead to anxiety. Without constant clear school policies, children with autism will continue to be treated differently. Some view people with autism unfairly. Meaning because people with autism are different, they should be treated differently. People need to remember that everyone is different and good at different things. So, although people with Autism may struggle with everyday things they may be incredibly good at a specific thing. The people who view people with autism differently may also support someone whom they do not know has autism. There are many famous, wealthy, and important people with autism like Elon Musk, and Bill Gates, also, Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, and Issac Newton were believed to have had autism. This shows that although people with autism may be different, they can also be successful and play a significant role.

    Creating a better environment for people with autism begins with forgetting about their challenges and supporting their strengths. Halder and Bruyere emphasize that a strength-based approach allows individuals with autism to thrive by valuing their skills, and ways of thinking. Participants in their study said that they feel most supported when educators and friends appreciate them for their abilities. Schools can build on these strengths by offering flexible routines, sensory-friendly spaces, and opportunities for self-expression. When teachers use inclusive strategies, they help individuals with autism feel more confident and accepted.

    The study also shows the importance of understanding and acceptance. Creating awareness about autism through education helps people with misunderstandings. Educators can be the start to create environments that are welcoming for everyone. By valuing differences, schools can feel more including. This could be hard due to a lack of funds or assistance, but if they are willing to fundraise and get their ideas out people would be more willing and supportive. Once they start an event it will only grow each year. So, although it will take time and be tough at first once started it will begin to grow.

    Halder and Bruyere argue that embracing neurodiversity benefits not only individuals with autism but society, as it creates respect for human differences. Building an environment around acceptance and understanding allows people to express and be themselves. This will also allow everyone to get involved in fundraisers, and other events. With a more welcoming environment many people who struggle with different mental or physical related issues will also feel more motivated to raise awareness.

    People with autism are easily targeted by bullying, but with the help of educators. Awareness can be brought to this problem making a more comfortable and accepting environment not only for people with autism but for everyone. Creating a better and more welcoming world.