If you put enough kids together, you’re eventually going to encounter some difficult situations. Unfortunately this sometimes rears its head in the form of bullying in the classroom (and with the older kids, online as well). Children with autism in Mississauga are not immune, in fact, they may face their own unique challenges when it comes to bullying. Therefore empowering neurodivergent children with effective prevention skills is critical for their well-being. 

Let’s look at ten key strategies to help caregivers, educators, and parents to support children with autism when it comes to identifying, navigating, and putting a stop to bullying situations.

1. Arm Your Child With Knowledge 
‍Hostility can often be avoided if you know what to look for. Teach your child how to identify aggressive body language. Give them practice saying, “No, thank you.” Equipping a child with targeted social skills training can enhance their ability to navigate everyday interactions. At Monarch House, we help neurodivergent children learn how to read social cues and respond appropriately. This reduces their vulnerability to bullying.

2. Introduce The Buddy System
‍Teach your child how to make friends on the first day of class. Or, pair off with another parent in the same class and set up some play dates early. By doing this, you can establish a buddy system where your child has a peer companion who can offer assistance and support during aggressive social situations. This will help them not feel isolated or outnumbered. We can give you some pointers on how to navigate this in a regular classroom setting.

3. Role-Play Scenarios
‍This may sound counter-intuitive, but it works. As playfully as possible, throw some weight around and teach your child how to handle it. In this way, you can empower your son or daughter to clearly communicate their boundaries and accurately express their needs. By playing out these scenarios, you can both experiment firsthand with what’s effective when it comes to building these skills.

‍4. Encourage Open Communication
‍You don’t want your kid to clam up on you when it comes to being bullied. Be sure to create a safe and open environment where your kid can feel comfortable expressing his or her feelings. Remember, you are your child’s greatest ally. Encourage them to open up with you first.

5. Give The Classroom A Heads Up
Don’t shy away from explaining how autism works to the other kids in the class. Just by sitting down with them for a few minutes early on, you can foster awareness and understanding. This will generate some empathy about autism. Educating their peers, teachers, and caregivers can help to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive school environment. Bring snacks and treats.

6. Build Out A Custom Safety Plan‍
Knowing exactly what to do, and when, is comforting to a child with autism. Collaborate with other parents, caregivers, and school staff to create a personalized safety plan for each child. Address specific issues and provide clear steps to follow when bullying occurs.

7. Visual Supports Work
Seeing what needs to be done in a concise flow chart can make a mountain of instruction more manageable. Don’t hesitate to incorporate visual aids such as social stories, pictographs or cue cards. These help children with autism understand and remember appropriate responses to bullying situations.

8. Keep A Close Eye
Start up a ‘Schoolyard Watch.’ Petition your school to increase supervision in areas where bullying may occur, such as the playground or cafeteria, and offer ways to help out. In this way, adults can promptly address any incidents and ensure the safety of all students.

‍9. Encourage Peer Advocacy
Build up your allies. Encourage your child’s neurotypical peers and siblings to act as advocates, supporting children with autism in social situations. Teach them how to intervene if they witness bullying behaviors.

10. Build Up Self-EsteemSports can go a long way towards building up a child’s confidence. Anything to do with public speaking acts like armour. Look for activities that can boost self-esteem. Any child with a strong sense of self is less likely to be a target for bullying.

At Monarch House, we put these ten tips into practice on a daily basis with your child. These strategies are hardwired into our skills training sessions. However, it takes a multi-faceted approach that relies on the support of other parents, teachers, and students to be fully effective.

Through education, communication, and empowerment, it’s possible to build the foundation of bully prevention for children with autism in Mississauga. By implementing these strategies, it’s possible to foster an environment that supports the social integration and well-being of neurodivergent children. This helps to create the space for a positive and inclusive school experience.