A study reveals that children with autism are more likely to be bullied at home and at school

A major new study found that children with autism were more likely to be bullied by their siblings and peers, which means that when they come back from school, they are more likely to be bullied. School, they have no respite after victimization.

The researchers also found that children with autism are more likely to be both victims and perpetrators of sibling bullying than those without autism.

The study used data from the Millennium Cohort Study to investigate sibling intimidation in a sample of over 8,000 children, of whom more than 231 had autism.

Children were asked about the frequency with which they were deliberately or deliberately wounded by their siblings and their peers, and how often they perpetrated such acts.

The study found that at the age of 11, two-thirds of autistic children said they had experienced some form of sibling bullying, compared to half non autistic children.

Although bullying of children in both groups decreased at the age of 14, there were still differences in the specific types of involvement. Autistic children were even more likely to be intimidated between brothers and sisters, as a victim and perpetrator.

The lead author of the study, Dr. Umar Toseeb of York University's Department of Education, said, "Autistic children have difficulties with social interaction and communication, which can have consequences on their relationships with their siblings.

"From an evolutionary point of view, siblings can be seen as competitors for parenting resources such as affection, attention and material goods – children with autism might have access priority to these limited parenting resources, which would lead to conflict and bullying between brothers and sisters. "

The parents of the children involved in the study were asked about the emotional and behavioral difficulties of their children, focusing in particular on whether their child was unhappy, discouraged and agitated.

According to the study, children involved in bullying between siblings, whether autistic or not, were more likely to experience short-term and long-term emotional and behavioral difficulties.

As sibling bullying disproportionately affects autistic children, researchers are demanding more resources to help autistic children and their parents identify and respond to bullying behaviors at home, especially earlier in life. their childhood.

Dr. Toseeb added, "Parents should be aware of the long-term consequences of sibling bullying on children's mental health and well-being.

"Persistent conflicts between siblings can be a sign of sibling bullying and this should not be considered a normal stage of growth."