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School bullies

Helen

My 7 year old son goes to an all boys school. He’s high functioning autistic and up to now we’ve had few issues at school. He doesn’t have any firm friend but he’s ok. 
but since year 3 started 4 children are now being physical and verbally bullying to him. He’s then lashing out and pushing and hitting back. This is happening most days. 
I have a meeting with the school tomorrow. I know he’s doing it because he’s feeling threatened. The school say they can’t separate them in the playground. What else can I ask them to do to help him feel safe at school and prevent these outbursts?

Parents

  • Hi Helen.

    Coincidentally was listening to a podcast this morning that touched upon exactly this sort of thing which you may find useful.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08zm2j2

    I’m not trying to offend or criticise, but I would be cautious around the thoughts of “high functioning” and “but he’s ok”. I wasn’t diagnosed growing up but my parents were fairly aware I was autistic and had a very similar mentality to this and around 7 years old is when I started to actively mask around them and hide my struggles. 

    Be prepared to fight the school on this, as they should have a support plan and measure in place to help your child, and they certainly should not be tolerating bullying. If they don’t have such things in place, then honestly, start looking for a different school, but that’s just my opinion that might be a bit heavy handed.

    Hope the podcast helps.

    Dan.

Reply

  • Hi Helen.

    Coincidentally was listening to a podcast this morning that touched upon exactly this sort of thing which you may find useful.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08zm2j2

    I’m not trying to offend or criticise, but I would be cautious around the thoughts of “high functioning” and “but he’s ok”. I wasn’t diagnosed growing up but my parents were fairly aware I was autistic and had a very similar mentality to this and around 7 years old is when I started to actively mask around them and hide my struggles. 

    Be prepared to fight the school on this, as they should have a support plan and measure in place to help your child, and they certainly should not be tolerating bullying. If they don’t have such things in place, then honestly, start looking for a different school, but that’s just my opinion that might be a bit heavy handed.

    Hope the podcast helps.

    Dan.

Children
  • in reply to D

    Thank you. I’ll listen to that now. 
    apologies for the language too. I don’t have a piece of paper to say the proper terminology as we haven’t had a diagnosis yet (was a bit slow to realise). 
    I’ve noticed some masking already. He’s not a hugger or kisser or says words of affection but every now and again he might do it and it now seems odd to me that he does. 
    appreciate your support.