Disabled Children Targetted by Bullies

Hundreds of children with disabilities are asking for help because they're being bullied.

NSPCC Scotland says says Childline held 5,357 counselling sessions dealing with the problem in 2013/14, with 514 children and young people contacting them.

More than a third of them had an Autistic spectrum disorder, whilst nearly a quarter had additional support needs such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD. 10% had a physical disability, 8% had a cognitive genetic disorder and the remainder had conditions such as diabetes and epilepsy or serious illness.

Elaine Chalmers, area manager for NSPCC Scotland’s ChildLine service, said: “Bullying remains a massive issue for children and young people in Scotland. We regularly speak to young people with physical disabilities and additional support needs such as dyslexia, Autistic spectrum disorders, Tourette’s syndrome or ADHD who are subjected to bullying by their peers.

“Bullying can be hugely damaging to a young person’s emotional well-being, but being targeted and abused because of additional support needs or physical disability can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life.

“That said, any child can fall prey to bullies, and it’s vital that we recognise just how damaging this experience can be, and the sources of support available.”

One boy aged 11 contacted the Aberdeen ChildLine base because he was being bullied for having Tourette’s syndrome: “I have Tourette’s and am bullied for it at school.  When I have an outbreak they all laugh at me, sometimes even the teachers laugh as well!  It makes me feel bad because I can’t stop it.  When I told my mum she just said ignore it - but it’s hard to.”

After being bullied for having Autism, on girl aged 12-15 was counselled by the Glasgow ChildLine base: “I am finding it difficult to make friends at school and the other children have been punching me.  They make me feel like an outsider and it feels really unfair.  The teachers know about it and do punish them but it just happens again.  I think they pick on me because of my autism.”

A spokesperson for the National Autistic Society Scotland said: “Children with autism are more likely to be bullied at school because of the challenges they encounter when it comes to communicating and interacting with other children.

“Autism is a serious, lifelong and disabling condition which affects more than 58,000 people in Scotland. Yet with the right support people with autism can overcome many barriers including bullying.

“That’s why it’s important we educate the public – professionals in particular such as teachers and GPs - so that children and young people with autism can get the right support at the right time.”