As students across New Jersey head back to school, a new study
published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
reveals disturbing news: 46 percent of students with autism
spectrum disorders are bullied. To parents and educators of
these vulnerable - and delightful - young people, the findings
are not a surprise. Because of their social disabilities,
children with autism are often alienated in public schools and
mainstream classrooms. Outside of a teacher’s watchful
supervision, they are quick and easy targets. Research tells us
that victims of bullying experience depression, school phobia
and poor academic outcomes. Efforts to include students with
disabilities in public schools, especially those with
“invisible” social disabilities such autism and Aspergers
syndrome, must address this crisis in a more proactive manner.
Geraldine Gibbia, Executive Director The Phoenix Center