This Dutch replicative exploratory study sought to investigate the impact of cyber bullying among the seriously emotional disabled (SED) and specifically learning disabled (SLD) youth ages 12-19 grades 7-12, in comparison with their non-disabled student peers. The study focused on thirty SED and SLD students and 22 students without disabilities. The study found that between four and 9% of SED and SLD students reported bullying or victimization of bullying at least once a week. Significant
associations were found between cyber bullying and IQ, frequency of computer usage and self-esteem and depressive feelings. Additionally, the replicated study also found no associations between cyber bullying and age and gender. Conclusions: There is a limited research on the extent to which cyber bullying among students with SED and the SLD in special education and mainstream settings. Strategies are needed to reduce it and to establish coping mechanisms for the victims. They should also create awareness of the issue to avoid future cases of cyber bullying among this particular age group.

Other

This American study carried out In-depth interviews conducted separately with 13-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), or typical development (TD) and their mothers investigated the experiences of victimization in the form of bullying. Higher internalizing problems and conflict in friendships were found to be significant predictors of victimization, according to both youth- and mother-reports. These predictors were found to be more salient than ASD status alone. Implications for practice are discussed.

Other

If you work in a mainstream or special needs school, you will inevitably come across instances of bullying from time to time. Pupils with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at particular risk of being bullied. This booklet helps you to understand why this is the case and provides strategies and ideas for promoting understanding of ASDs among staff and pupils, tackling and reducing bullying incidents and supporting pupils with an ASD who have been bullied.

Ireland

Reduced cognitive empathy may put autistic people at risk for bullying. This American study compared interpretations of bullying provided by 22 autistic and 15 non-autistic college students. Autistic (and non-autistic) students reported less severe bullying in college relative to earlier in development. Chronic bullying was associated with improvements in self-descriptions and self-acceptance. Autistic students who were chronically bullied were more likely to self-identify as autistic when asked to explain their
disability. Autistic and non-autistic students demonstrated similar levels of cognitive empathy, providing no evidence that a “double empathy problem” contributes to bullying for all autistic individuals. Findings suggest that recovery from bullying can contribute to resilience and that autistic people gain insights about bullying and how to overcome it with development.

Ireland

The Anti Bullying Alliance went to speak to disabled young people and asked them about what they think schools could do to prevent and respond to bullying of disabled children and young people and those with SEN. This is what they told them. In this clip we hear what key words the young people thought should be used to stop this type of bullying.

Ireland