By Jeannette Paxia
Bullying has become an epidemic that many individuals have had to deal with at some point in their lives. It comes in many forms and the impact of bullying can be detrimental no matter who the victim is. For children who are perceived as “different” by their peers, it can happen more often and be extremely difficult to deal with. Children on the autism spectrum are particularly vulnerable to bullying due to their different but unique traits and behaviors.
Thankfully, as parents, there are steps we can take to empower our children to protect themselves and navigate these challenging situations effectively. As the mom of an autistic child, I watched for years as my child’s unique abilities were regarded as different and those differences were thought of as “bad” by others. I learned how to support him in connecting to his unique traits.
Here are three important steps I personally employed to empower my son so that he could build his self-confidence and thwart off the bullies. I’m confident they can help your child in constructing a shield of self-confidence, thereby mitigating the negative impacts that bullying can have.
Embrace and Celebrate Their Uniqueness
Every individual, including children on the autism spectrum, possesses unique abilities and strengths that define them. Encouraging your child to embrace and expand on these abilities can foster self-confidence and resilience in the face of bullying. By helping your child recognize their strengths and value their uniqueness, they can develop a strong sense of self-worth that shields them from the negative impact of bullying. Support your child in exploring their interests and talents, and empower them to take pride in what makes them special.
Advocate for Open and Supportive Communication
Establishing a safe and open line of communication with your child is essential in addressing and preventing bullying. The safer your child feels coming to you to share what’s happening, the better. Encourage your child to share their experiences, concerns, and challenges with you without fear of judgment or retribution. Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable discussing any instances of bullying or mistreatment they may encounter. For non-verbal children on the autism spectrum, explore alternative communication methods and ensure that educators and support staff are equipped to recognize signs of distress or discomfort. Parents should work hand-in-hand with school professionals and caregivers to help create a network of support for your child and facilitate timely intervention in bullying situations.
Provide Access to Trusted Support Systems
In situations where you are not present, such as at school or in other care settings, ensure that your child has access to trusted individuals who can provide assistance and guidance when needed. Teach your child how to seek help and express their needs effectively to trusted adults or peers. By empowering your child to reach out for support, you equip them with the tools to navigate bullying situations and seek assistance when faced with challenges. Encourage your child to build positive relationships with peers and adults who can serve as allies and advocates in times of need.
The takeaway
Bullying is a pervasive issue that requires proactive measures to address and prevent. By empowering your child, celebrating their uniqueness, fostering open communication, and providing access to trusted support systems, you can equip them with the resilience and skills needed to combat bullying effectively. Together, we can create a safe and inclusive environment where all children, including those on the autism spectrum and with any disability, can thrive and feel empowered to be their authentic selves.
Jeannette Paxia is author of the book ‘Superheroes on the Spectrum.’ To learn more, visit For Jeannette’s anti-bullying programs visit
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
