New Year’s Resolution – Let’s Do Something About Bullying
January 12, 2012 Prism Newsletter
By Amy Goodman
New Year’s Resolutions. What good are they unless you take action and actually do something about them? One of the hottest topics in the news this last year has been bullying, especially bullying of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Statistics show that approximately 94 percent of individuals with autism or autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are victimized or bullied an average of 1-2 times per week. It is a well known fact that individuals who have a disability are more likely to be bullied than other individuals. Though people typically think bullying only occurs to teenagers, it is not just happening in schools and it is not only teenagers who bully. Bullying happens at work, among the elderly, among pre-schoolers, and across all races. It has become such a problem that more individuals have chosen to end their life by suicide.
What is bullying? It is hitting, biting, pinching, or any act of physical aggression. It also includes teasing, taunting, and name calling. It could include cyber bulling – spreading rumors on the internet via some form of social media – or sexting – sending sexually suggestive pictures or nude photos of someone. Sexting is against the law and can cause an individual to be arrested and have to go to court or to a detention center or jail.
Bullying is harmful, and the effects of it can last a lifetime if not dealt with effectively. However, one person cannot change this situation alone; it takes everyone to make bullies reconsider their actions. There are small steps that can be taken on all levels – personal, local, state, and national – to stop bullying. Here are some ideas:
- Stand up for yourself. Research your rights and know what can and cannot be done to an individual with a disability.
- Talk about bullying and make a plan of action on what you would do if you are a victim of bullying.
- Go to a conference about bullying, or if you can find one listen to a webinar about bullying.
- Look for information on bullying or check out some websites like www.autismnow.org, for information on bullying, autism, webinars, and much more.
I challenge each of you to take a stand on bullying and make a New Year’s resolution help stop bullying of all people, including those with autism and autism spectrum disorders. If everyone steps up to the plate, hopefully this world will be a better place to live, work and play.
Amy Goodman is the Co-Director of the Autism NOW Center.