Skip Navigation
Colour:       A | A | A     listenListen
 
|Home|
|Donate|
|Jobs|
|Site map|
|Help|
|Contact|
|Accessibility|
return to the NAS homepage
You are here: Home> Information shortcuts for...> ... people with an ASD> Living with an autism spectrum disorder> Bullying: a guide for young people with an autism spectrum disorder

Bullying: a guide for young people with an autism spectrum disorder

Print this page Print this page


 

This information is for young people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The information explains what bullying is, what you can do if you are being bullied and how to get support.

You can read all the information online, or you can print a copy out from the 'Related resources' section at the bottom of this page.

What is bullying?

Bullying is something that can hurt you on the inside or on the outside:

  • bullying hurts you on the outside if someone hits you or hurts you physically
  • bullying hurts you on the inside if someone calls you names or teases you, and hurts your feelings.

Here are some other things about bullying:

  • bullying is done on purpose
  • bullying is not an accident. If someone hurts you during a game by accident, this is not bullying
  • if every time you played a game, someone hurts you or your feelings, this is bullying
  • bullying happens more than once
  • bullying is wrong
  • no-one has the right to hurt you or make you feel bad.

How you may feel if you are bullied:

  • sick
  • in pain
  • worried or stressed
  • frustrated
  • isolated
  • lonely
  • fell like you dont want to go to school
  • have difficulty eating or sleeping
  • vulnerable
  • scared
  • want to hurt yourself or to hurt others
  • helpless
  • feel like no-one is listening to you
  • not feel very good about yourself.

Also in this section:


 

What you can do if you are being bullied
Bullying will not go away by itself. Remember, if you are being bullied, it is not your fault. No one deserves to be bullied. Here are some things you can do if you are being bullied.

Keep safe
Here are some ways you can keep safe, or deal with bullies.

What if you are the bully?
Sometimes, children and young people with autism may become a bully. It's important to tell someone about this and get help.

What can you do if your teacher is bullying you?
Your school teachers have a duty to look after you, and it is unfair of a teacher to bully a pupil.

Some things you may find difficult
Information about some things that young people with autism many find difficult, such as making friends, or knowing what to do during breaktimes at school.

Further information and contact details
Details of organisations that have information about bullying, or can help you if you are being bullied.

References and recommended reading
Books and DVDs about bullying, or about having an autism spectrum disorder and going to school.

 

If you require further information about autism and related issues, contact our Autism Helpline (open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm)
Tel: 0845 070 4004
autismhelpline@nas.org.uk

Last updated: March 2009
© The National Autistic Society 2009
The National Autistic Society is the UK's leading charity for people affected by autism.


Related resources


Relevant documents for downloading
Link to download Adobe Acrobat Reader in new window
Download Acrobat Reader®

Back to top Back to top

Print this page Print this page