Special Needs and Bullying Support Guide

What to Do If Your Special Needs Child Is Being Bullied

If you have reason to believe that your child with special needs is being bullied at school, it’s important to act promptly. Consider taking the following actions.

1. Talk With Your Child

Show your support, calm their fears if they are being threatened, and let them know that you will help them figure out and resolve this situation.

This is also a good time for you to assess the situation for yourself after hearing their side.

2. Alert Your Child’s School

After hearing your child’s side of the story, you should alert your child’s teacher(s) or principal and other school department officials. This is especially true if you are aware of any threats of violence to your child or other children.

It is also important to do this to document the incident.

3. Seek a Resolution

The way you handle the situation should never involve retaliation or revenge against the bully, as this would teach all children involved a dangerous lesson.

Resolutions will differ for each situation but may involve consequences or a punishment for the bully, such as removing school privileges and implementing policies designed to make the victim and others feel safe while at school, such as improved hall monitoring.

4. Advocate for Your Child’s Safety

Know when to advocate for your child’s safety if you are unsatisfied with the resolution that their school has offered, and never be afraid to go up the chain of command if necessary.

5. Encourage Bullying Prevention and Policy Changes

The best way to end bullying is to stop it before it starts, so encourage your child’s school to implement bullying prevention policies if they do not already have them.

In addition, you can also encourage the school to implement anti-discrimination policies and provide education to the entire study body on disabilities.

Children may be less likely to bully students with disabilities if they are more aware and understanding of their condition.

6. Weigh Your Education Options

If you have exhausted all other possible solutions and nothing has worked, sometimes the best option is changing schools, perhaps to a private school or a district with a better reputation. Homeschooling is also an option for parents who are in the position to provide it.

Understanding how schools deal with bullying can influence your decision when exploring education options.

7. Know Your Child’s Rights

Always be aware of your child’s legal rights and educate yourself on all laws that are in place to protect them and other kids with special needs.

If your child’s rights have been violated and their school did not provide an adequate resolution, you can file a formal grievance with your school district or contact the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.

Getting Help for Your Child

No child should have to deal with the deep and complex emotions that are often the result of bullying. In many cases, professional help and therapy can help a child experiencing bullying to learn coping mechanisms and increase their self-esteem.

Here are some ways you can get help for your child.

Counseling

Many special needs kids being bullied find it hard to open up to a parent about what is happening to them. However, they should still be encouraged to speak with an adult they trust. This can be a school counselor or professional therapist.

This type of counseling is individual or private and is always confidential. It allows people of all ages to talk about and work through their experiences, feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.

Group Therapy

While some kids may feel more comfortable talking to a therapist in a one-on-one setting, others may find group therapy more comfortable and effective.

This type of therapy can be effective for young adults because it provides a safe place for kids to share stories and relate to one another. It also removes some more individual attention that some children may be uncomfortable with.

Play Therapy

Play therapy uses playtime to help children share their feelings and learn coping strategies. With toys and games, therapists create a safe space for kids to express themselves.

This approach supports emotional growth and helps children develop skills to deal with bullying in a healthier way.

Resources for Children With Special Needs and Bullying

There are many different resources to help children with special needs and their families deal with bullying.

Resources for Bullying Prevention

These organizations provide resources geared toward preventing bullying:

• Bully Free World: Provides numerous resources for parents on bullying, including a printable template for notifying school authorities about bullying or harassment.
• Global Down Syndrome Foundation: The website for this nonprofit, which is dedicated to helping those with Down syndrome, has a section called “Words Can Hurt” that teaches about the right and wrong words to use when talking about people with disabilities.
• National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC): NDSC offers support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families and advocates for equal rights and inclusion on their behalf.
• PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center: This organization offers information and resources for kids, parents, and educators on how to prevent and address bullying in school.
• STOMP Out Bullying: This nonprofit works toward bullying prevention with a specific focus on bullying that occurs as a result of discrimination.

Get Help for Kids With Special Needs Facing Bullies

If you are caring for a child with special needs who is dealing with bullying, know that support is available. Your family doesn’t have to face this alone.

Dealing with the challenges that come with caring for a child with special needs experiencing bullying can be overwhelming. However, getting support and understanding how bullying is dealt with in schools can make a huge difference for your child, family, and yourself.

By actively fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, every child — no matter their needs and abilities — can experience a safe, respectful, and nurturing space to grow and learn.