According to antibullyingpro.com, “75% of autistic young people have experienced bullying.”
There are many reasons neurodiverse students are likely to be bullied. For example, neurodiverse students may be bullied for outward manifestations of their differences, such as stimming. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines stimming as “a self- stimulatory behavior that is marked by a repetitive action or movement of the body (such as repeatedly tapping on objects or the ears, snapping the fingers, blinking the eyes, (or) rocking from side to side.” Sabrina Landes, a neurodiverse Berkeley High School student who has been bullied for her stimming, said, “I felt upset because they were trying to say that I couldn’t (stim).”
At times, neurodivergent students may also be targeted with microaggressions by teachers because of systemic prejudice. For example, teachers may not expect them to be able to succeed academically, so they may not be called on in class or allowed to actively participate in class activities or discussions. Teachers may also minimize or even ignore bullying that is taking place, seeing it as “just joking.”
Neurodiverse students may also have their identity questioned or minimized by others. Statements such as, “I never would have known you were autistic,” or, “everyone's a little autistic,” are undermining and hurtful. Often it is thought that these phrases are complimentary or “normalizing” neurodiversity. But, it is actually a form of gaslighting.
While being targeted by bullying and discrimination for being neurodiverse can feel isolating, remember that you are not alone in your challenges. There is a community at BHS that is ready to support you. The Neurodiversity Club welcomes all and meets every Friday in G-104H.
If you are bullied or discriminated against for being neurodiverse, it can be difficult to not internalize what is being said about you. However, it is important to remember that neurodivergence is beautiful and isn’t something that you should be ashamed of.
If you witness a student being bullied, it can be tempting to ignore it because you may think that it is none of your business. However, it is the responsibility of everyone in a community to stand up for vulnerable members who are being targeted by bullies. In addition, it is also important to reassure the victim that the bullying is not their fault. A community where people support each other is a community where bullying is significantly less likely to happen.
It is possible to stop the bullying and discrimination against neurodiverse students if the BHS community makes a concerted effort, and I am confident that this can happen. Sending positive vibes your way!