Please read this....Thank You xxx

Stop bullying and make school make sense

School can be a scary place for children with autism, and even more so when they become the target of bullying. At least 40% of parents of children with autism and 60% of children with Asperger syndrome report that they have been bullied at school; but because of the nature of the condition, it is likely that this figure is understated.

"I was bullied in my old school. It was hard. I was left out. They would not play with me. They chatted with each other but not to me. That made me feel sad because I wanted to be friends with them." Anna, 14

"My child is bullied - the school says it is his fault for being 'annoying'." Parent

Many of the children and families report damage to self esteem, mental health and progress at school. Some withdraw from school altogether, others never fully recover from their experiences.

To mark Anti-Bullying Week 2006, The National Autistic Society has published a new report
"B is for bullied: experiences of children with autism and their families."
It details the experiences of bullying, as told by children with autism and their families.

We are calling on the Government and local authorities to reduce bullying by implementing the demands of our make school make sense education campaign and by ensuring that bullying on the grounds of disability is dealt with as seriously as bullying on any other grounds. This week we are giving evidence to the Education and Skills Select Committee's inquiry into bullying to bring to their attention the particular challenges faced by children with autism who are bullied at school.
With the right support all children with autism can succeed at school.

Take action now to stop bullying

Read the bullying report

Find out more about anti-bullying week, which this year has the theme of 'Bystanders'

Support the make school make sense campaign

Access information about bullying and autism for yourself or your local school

If you are concerned about bullying or any other autism-related issue, contact our Autism Helpline on 0845 070 4004.

For more information visit www.autism.org.uk/helpline

The National Autistic Society is a member of the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA). The ABA is a coalition of 65 organisations from the voluntary, public and private sectors working together to reduce bullying and to create safer environments for children and young people. For more information visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

Campaigns Team The National Autistic Society

*The term 'autism' is used to refer to all conditions on the autistic spectrum, including Asperger syndrome.

Those of you who know me well, will know how important this is to me.

Children with ASD are so vunerable....easily manipulated and most become the target for the playground bully :(

If we hadnt had the support from the local NAS team J wouldnt be alive now......he was bullied....it almost cost him his life :(