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BULLYING IN SCHOOLS

It is true that neurodiverse individuals tend to be bullied more than others. It is a fact that among all neurodiverse groups, autistic individuals are most vulnerable to bullying.

 

There are 2 types of bullying. One is physical bullying which includes hitting, pushing, tripping, inappropriate touching, and stealing belongings. The other is emotional bullying which includes name calling, laughing at or making fun of someone, excluding someone from a group or encouraging others to leave someone out, starting rumors or telling lies about someone, and trying to make someone feel bad about who they are. Even though, most autistic people are physically bullied, but every individual on the spectrum has experienced some form of emotional bullying in their life especially high school life.

 

Now, let me share my own experiences in high school. I joined the new school in my 10th grade. I had monotropic interests and was very literal. Because of this, I was taken advantage of. I have hardly faced physical bullying, but emotional bullying was persistent throughout my high school life. Whenever I was included to do group activities or group discussions, I was always excluded. No one in my class was even willing to sit with me. No one was willing to help me through hardships. At one time, I was highly bullied and was at the lowest point of my life. Whenever I reported it to the teacher or the counsellor, they used to discuss the issue with the entire class. The people who were neutral to me would simply tell that nothing happened while the bullies turned the tables on me saying that I started it. Since they were in the majority, I used to get scolded. At that time, I was so depressed that I told my parents to shift me to home-schooling. But they refused. Later, I realized that I must do something to change their mindset about autism.

 

I knew that my peers did not know anything about autism. So, I decided to start the autism advocacy program for my entire grade 12. I requested my counsellor to give me a date. Even though it took time, it finally happened. I was able to educate my entire grade 12 about autism. Even though there wasn’t an immediate change in attitude, but slowly I saw a change in the way they behaved with other kids with invisible disabilities. Also, the people who used to bully me now stopped it. But still I really had no friends. Still. that was a progress.

 

I found out that one of the best ways to overcome bullying was through self-advocacy. This is because many people do not know what autism is and due to which they do not realize that they bully autistic individuals emotionally. Self-advocacy shows how brave and courageous you are. It also demonstrates your true thick skin. I think there are other things that can be done too. What society currently is doing is just tell what autistic people can do to improve themselves. This does not work. Others should also be to help autistic individuals. This will create a perfect balance. It is not one way or the other. Balance must be ensured. This way, we will have a better functioning society.

 

Now, let me talk about physical bullying. Physical bullying is physical. Let me narrate my own life experiences. Initially, I was too thin and had poor social skills because of which I got physically bullied. One day I was fortunate enough to pick swimming, due to which my muscle tone improved, and I became strong and fit. After all, I stopped facing physical bullying. I strongly recommend autistic people to pick a strenuous sport like swimming, boxing, or fitness. This not only makes you strong enough to face bullies but also has other good side effects.

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