Autism Spectrum Disorder and bullying

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition which affects individuals in two main areas.

1. Individuals have impaired communication and social interaction
2. Individuals have restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities

Individuals with ASD are especially vulnerable to bullying and social exclusion.

Amaze

Amaze is a Victorian-based not-for-profit organisation representing around 55,000 Victorians who have ASD, and working to promote a better understanding of ASD in the general community.

Amaze offer a large number of resources about ASD, including information about diagnosis and assessment, and protecting a student with ASD from bullying behaviour at school.

Take a look at their resources here.

Supporting Differences Program

Amaze developed their school-based ‘Supporting Differences' program in partnership with the Victorian Department for Education and Early Childhood Development out of a recognition that students with Autism Spectrum Disorder can be particularly vulnerable to bullying and social exclusion and may find it difficult to form and maintain friendships.

The program consists of sessions for students from Prep to Year 12 that aim to extend students' awareness of the range of differences that can be found within the classroom. The five streams of the program aim to discuss and celebrate difference in order to develop positive relationships between and among students.