ERIC Number: ED662869
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 131
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3844-8430-1
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Bullying of Elementary Schoolchildren with Autism
Charlene Alugbue
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, National University
The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has risen from one out of 54 school-aged children in the year 2000 to approximately one in 125 by 2021. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a long-term condition characterized by prevalent communication and social reciprocity impairments, stereotyped behavior, and limited interests. Despite widespread attempts by parents, school administrators, and teachers to address bullying of children with ASD by their peers, it persists as a substantial impediment to learning, development, and overall well-being. The purpose of this qualitative embedded case study was to examine the perceptions of teachers and parents of elementary school students with ASD who experienced bullying, and successful interventions. Bronfenbrenner's (2002) theory of childhood development provided the theoretical framework for this study, which suggests that behavior modification involves changes in the child with ASD's surrounding ecosystem. A sample of 10 parents and 12 teachers participated through semistructured interviews and member checking to explore their experiences. Children with ASD internalize bullying, leading to depression, and ADHD. An active community of occupational therapists, school psychologists, administrators, teachers, parents, or behavioral therapists using techniques focused on children diagnosed with ASD over multiple years has shown the most promise in minimizing damage wrought by bullying. Activist parental behavior with zero tolerance for bullying of children with ASD, which means reporting each incident without shame or guilt, provides peers with learning opportunities for empathy and has proven to be an effective intervention. Proactive interventions by parents and teachers including teaching students with ASD the appropriate social skills to manage bullies, are paramount to change. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Bullying, Students with Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Peer Relationship, Teacher Attitudes, Parent Attitudes, Elementary School Students, Intervention, Elementary School Teachers, Parent Role
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A