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E-Speaks eNewsletter

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the impact of bullying on the autism community. While bullying can happen to anyone, autistic people are especially vulnerable and are more likely to experience serious negative effects to their health and well-being. As a community, it is essential that we stand together against bullying and commit to creating a more inclusive world that is accepting of everyone’s unique differences. 

In this E-Speaks, we share the stories of two young women who have addressed bullying in their own ways. You’ll also find a series of resources to learn more about the causes behind bullying and provide tools and strategies to help stop bullying when it happens. Lastly, you can access information to help you make the school environment more inclusive for your child. 

In our own words: Embracing empathy and individuality to overcome bullying 

Everyone is different and unique, but sometimes, those differences are not understood by others. In this blog, you’ll meet two young women in the autism community who share their perspectives on how they’ve overcome bullying by embracing their differences. Halle, 16, says her autism diagnosis changed her life, helping her embrace her individuality and be unapologetically herself. You’ll also meet Allyssa, 21, whose deep love and admiration for her sister, Brookelynn, has turned her into her strongest advocate and protector.  

Want to help us spread understanding acceptance of autistic individuals? Share your story or your child's story with us and you might be featured on our social media platforms, our website and in our newsletters.

Access information and resources to help you prevent bullying

Evidence shows over 60% of children and young adults with autism experience bullying. High school students are most likely to be bullied. And the stakes are high — victims of bullying are at risk of developing mental and physical health problems that can have a long-term impact. Prevention is key. Our Bullying Prevention resource page was designed to help you recognize and prevent bullying when it happens. In it, you will find facts and figures to help you get started, strategies to help you take a stand against bullying, personal stories from the autism community and more. 

Expert Q&A: A psychologist shares his online program to end bullying 

Children and adolescents with autism are particularly vulnerable to bullying, but preventing and stopping it when it happens can be a challenge. In response to this need, Dr. Ryan Adams, Ph.D., has pursued a decade-long career in research on autism and bullying and developed a web-based program that offers information and strategies to parents, teachers, peers and victims of bullying. In this Q&A, Dr. Adams discusses some of his key research findings and shares his bullying prevention guides for teens, parents and teachers. 

Making school more accepting and inclusive 

Promoting understanding and acceptance of autistic people’s differences is key to creating a more inclusive world. Our School Community Tool Kit provides helpful information about students with autism that can improve understanding for all members of the school community and create a more inclusive environment. For more information specifically for general education teachers, view our blog post about how general education teachers can support their autistic students. 

Reminder: Sign up for a webinar on managing irritability and behavior 

Some children and adolescents with autism experience severe and distressing behaviors that can be harmful to themselves or others. On Wednesday, October 26 at 4 – 5:15 p.m. ET, Family ECHO: Autism is hosting a FREE interactive webinar for families interested in learning strategies to manage behavior and promote emotional regulation. This is a great opportunity to learn directly from autism experts and connect with other families. Register now! 

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