Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Shedding Light on a Pervasive Problem: A Review of Research on Bullying Experiences Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by difficulties with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and the development and maintenance of interpersonal relationships. As a result, individuals with ASD are at an increased risk of bullying victimization, compared to typically developing peers. This paper reviews the literature that has emerged over the past decade regarding prevalence of bullying involvement in the ASD population, as well as associated psychosocial factors. Directions for future research are suggested, including areas of research that are currently unexplored or underdeveloped. Methodological issues such as defining and measuring bullying, as well as informant validity and reliability, are considered. Implications for intervention are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alsaker, F. D. (2004). Bernese program against victimization in kindergarten and elementary schools. In P. K. Smith, D. Pepler & K. Rigby (Eds.), Bullying in schools: How successful can interventions be? (pp. 289–306). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

  • Alsaker, F. D., & Valkamover, S. (2001). Early diagnosis and prevention of victimization in kindergarten. In J. Juvonen & S. Graham (Eds.), Peer harassment in school: The plight of the vulnerable and victimized (pp. 175–195). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arora, T. (1991). The use of victim support groups. In P. K. Smith & D. A. Thompson (Eds.), Practical approaches to bullying. London: David Fulton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arora, C., & Thompson, D. (1987). Defining bullying for the secondary school. Educational and Child Psychology, 4, 110–120.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baron-Cohen, S., Leslie, A., & Frith, U. (1985). Does the autistic child have a “theory of mind”? Cognition, 21, 37–46.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bauminger, N., & Kasari, C. (2000). Loneliness and friendship in high-functioning children with autism. Child Development, 71, 447–456.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Boivin, M., Hymel, S., & Bukowski, W. M. (1995). The roles of social withdrawal, peer rejection, and victimization by peers in predicting loneliness and depressed mood in childhood. Development and Psychopathology, 7, 765–785.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boulton, (1999). Concurrent and longitudinal relations between children’s playground behavior and social preference, victimization, and bullying. Child Development, 70(4), 944–954.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Boulton, M. J., & Underwood, K. (1992). Bully/victim problems among middle school children. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 62, 73–87.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cappadocia, M. C., Weiss, J. A., & Pepler, D. (2012). Bullying experiences among children and youth with autism spectrum disorders. Journal on Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42(2), 266–277.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carter, S. (2009). Bullying of students with Asperger syndrome. Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing, 32, 145–154.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2003). National survey of children’s health. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov.ezproxy.library.yorku.ca/nchs/slaits/nsch.htm#2003nsch.

  • Chamberlain, B., Kasari, C., & Rotheram-Fuller, E. (2007). Involvement or isolation? The social networks of children with autism in regular classrooms. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37, 230–242.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cook, C. R., Williams, K. R., Guerra, N. G., Kim, T. E., & Sadek, S. (2010). Predictors of bullying and victimization in childhood and adolescence: A meta-analytic investigation. School Psychology Quarterly, 25(2), 65–83.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crick, N. R., & Grotpeter, J. K. (1996). Children’s treatment by peers. Development and Psychopathology, 8, 367–380.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cummings, J. G., Pepler, P., Mishna, F., & Craig, W. (2006). Bulling and victimization among students with exceptionalities. Exceptionality Education, 16, 193–222.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis, S., Howell, P., & Cooke, F. (2002). Sociodynamic relationships between children who stutter and their non-stuttering classmates. The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 43(7), 939–947.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DeRosier, M. E., Kupersmidt, J. B., & Patterson, C. J. (1994). Children’s academic and behavioral adjustment as a function of the chronicity and proximity of peer rejection. Child Development, 65, 1799–1813.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Didden, R., Scholte, R. H., Korzilius, H., De Moor, J. M. H., Vermeulen, A., O’Reilly, M. O., et al. (2009). Cyber bullying among students with intellectual and developmental disability in special education settings. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 12(3), 146–151.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dunn, W., Saiter, J., & Rinner, L. (2002). Asperger syndrome and sensory processing: A conceptual model and guidance for intervention planning. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 17(3), 172–185.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Estell, D. B., Farmer, T. W., Irvin, M. J., Crowther, A., Akos, P., Boudah, D. J., et al. (2009). Students with exceptionalities and the peer group context of bullying and victimization in late elementary school. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 18(2), 136–150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Farrington, D. P., & Tttofi, M. M. (2009). How to reduce school bullying. Victims and Offenders, 4, 321–326.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fekkes, M., Pijpers, F. I., Fredriks, A. M., Vogels, T., & Verloove-Vanhorick, S. P. (2006). Do bullied children get ill, or do ill children get bullied? A prospective cohort study on the relationship between bullying and health-related symptoms. Pediatrics, 117, 1568–1574.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Forero, R., McLellan, L., Rissel, C., & Bauman, A. (1999). Bullying behaviour and psychosocial health among school students in New South Wales, Australia: A cross-sectional survey. British Medical Journal, 319, 344–348.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Frankel, F., Myatt, R., Whitham, C., Gorospe, C., & Laugeson, E. A. (2010). A controlled study of parent-assisted children’s friendship training with children having autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40, 827–842.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gazelle, H., & Ladd, G. W. (2003). Anxious solitude and peer exclusion: A diathesis-stress model of internalizing trajectories in childhood. Child Development, 74(1), 257–278.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goodman, R. (1997). The strengths and difficulties questionnaire: A research note. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 38, 581–586.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gray, C. (2004). Gray’s guide to bullying parts I–III. Jenison Autism Journal, 16(1), 2–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamby, S. L., & Finkelhor, D. (1999). The comprehensive juvenile victimization questionnaire. Paper presented at the 6th International Family Violence Research Conference, Durham, NH, July 1999.

  • Hanish, L. D., & Guerra, N. G. (2002). A longitudinal analysis of patterns of adjustment following peer victimization. Development and Psychopathology, 14(1), 69–89.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Haq, I., & Le Couteur, A. (2004). Autism spectrum disorder. Medicine, 32, 61–63.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hay, D. F., Payne, A., & Chadwick, A. (2004). Peer relations in childhood. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 45(1), 84–108.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Haynie, D. L., Nansel, T., Eitel, P., Crump, A. D., Saylor, K., et al. (2001). Bullies, victims, and bully/victims: Distinct groups of at risk youths. The Journal of Early Adolescence, 21(1), 29–49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hodges, E. V. E., & Perry, D. G. (1999). Personal and interpersonal antecedents and consequences of victimization by peers. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 76(4), 677–685.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Humphrey, N., & Symes, W. (2010). Responses to bullying and use of social support among pupils with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in mainstream schools: A qualitative study. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 10, 82–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ivarsson, T., Broberg, A. G., Arvidsson, T., & Gillberg, C. (2005). Bullying in adolescence: Psychiatric problems in victims and bullies as measured by the Youth Self Report (YSR) and the Depression Self-Rating Scale (DSRS). Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 59, 365–373.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kaltiala-Heino, R., Rimpela, M., Marttunen, M., Rimpela, A., & Rantanen, P. (1999). Bullying, depression and suicidal ideation in adolescents: School survey. British Medical Journal, 319, 348–356.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kaltiala-Heino, R., Rimpela, M., Rantanen, P., & Rimpela, A. (2000). Bullying at school—an indicator of adolescents at risk for mental disorders. Journal of Adolescence, 23, 661–674.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kochenderfer, B. J., & Ladd, G. W. (1996). Peer victimization: Cause or consequence of school maladjustment. Child Development, 67(4), 1305.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kowalski, R. M., & Fedina, C. (2011). Cyber bullying in ADHD and Asperger syndrome populations. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5, 1201–1208.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kowalski, R. M., & Limber, S. (2007). Electronic bullying among middle school students. Journal of Adolescent Health, 41, S22–S30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kumpulainen, K., Räsänen, E., & Puura, K. (2001). Psychiatric disorders and the use of mental health services among children involved in bullying. Aggressive Behavior, 27, 102–110.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laugeson, E. A., Mogil, C. E., Dillon, A. R., & Frankel, F. (2009). Parent-assisted social skills training to improve friendships in teens with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39, 596–606.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Little, L. (2002). Middle-class mothers’ perceptions of peer and sibling victimization among children with Asperger’s syndrome and nonverbal learning disorders. Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing, 25, 43–57.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lord, C., Risi, S., Lambrecht, L., Cook, E. H., Leventhal, B. L., DiLavore, P. C., et al. (2000). The autism diagnostic observation schedule-generic: A standard measure of social and communication deficits associated with the spectrum of autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 30, 205–223.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mahady Wilton, M., Craig, W. M., & Pepler, D. J. (2000). Emotional regulation and display in classroom bullying: Characteristic expressions of affect, coping styles and relevant contextual factors. Social Development, 9, 226–245.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martlew, M., & Hodson, J. (1991). Children with mild learning difficulties in an integrated and in a special school: Comparisons of behaviour, teasing, and teachers’ attitudes. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 61, 355–372.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mishna, F. (2004). Learning disabilities and bullying: Double jeopardy. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 4, 336–347.

    Google Scholar 

  • Molcho, M., Craig, W., Due, P., Pickett, W., Harel-Fisch, Y., Overpeck, M., et al. (2009). Cross-national time trends in bullying behaviour 1994–2006: Findings from Europe and North America. International Journal of Public Health, 54, 225–234.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Montes, G., & Halterman, J. S. (2007). Bullying among children with autism and the influence of comorbidity with ADHD: A population-based study. Ambulatory Pediatrics, 7(3), 253–257.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Myklebust, J. O. (2002). Inclusion or exclusion? Transitions among special needs students in upper secondary education in Norway. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 17(3), 251–263.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nansel, T. R., Overpeck, M. D., Haynie, D. L., Ruan, W. J., & Scheidt, P. C. (2003). Relationships between bullying and violence among US youth. Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine, 157, 348–353.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nansel, T. R., Overpeck, M. D., Pilla, R. S., Ruan, W. J., Simons-Morton, B., & Scheidt, P. (2001). Bullying behaviors among US youth. Journal of the American Medical Association, 285, 2094–2100.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Norwich, B., & Kelly, N. (2004). Pupils’ views on inclusion: Moderate learning difficulties and bullying in mainstream and special schools. British Educational Research Journal, 30(1), 43–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Olweus, D. (1993). Bullying at school: What we know and what we can do. Oxford: Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olweus, D. (1996/2004). The revised Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire. Bergen, Norway: Research Centre for Health Promotion (HEMIL), University of Bergen, N-5015.

  • Olweus, D. (1997). Bully/victim problems in school: Facts and intervention. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 12, 495–510.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pepler, D. J. (2006). Bullying interventions: A binocular perspective. Journal of Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 15, 16–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pepler, D. J., Craig, W., & O’Connell, P. (1999). Understanding bullying from a dynamic systems perspective. In A. Slater & D. Muir (Eds.), Developmental psychology: An advanced reader. Malden, MA: Blackwell.

  • Pepler, D., Jiang, D., Craig, W., & Connolly, J. (2008). Developmental trajectories of bullying and associated factors. Child Development, 79, 325–338.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Perry, D. G., Kusel, S. J., & Perry, L. C. (1998). Victims of peer aggression. Developmental Psychology, 24, 807–814.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • PREVNet Assessment Working Group. (2008). Promoting relationships and eliminating violence network assessment tool-parent and child versions. Kingston: PREVNet.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, W. M. (1991). Psychometric characteristics of the Adult Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire in college students. Journal of Personality Assessment, 56, 289–307.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds, W. M. (2003). Reynolds bully-victimization scales for schools. San Antonio, TX: The Psychological Corporation.

  • Rieffe, C., Camodeca, M., Pouw, L. B. C., Lange, A. M. C., & Stockmann, L. (2012). Don’t anger me! Bullying, victimization, and emotion dysregulation in young adolescents with ASD. European Journal of Developmental Psychology, 9, 351–370.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rigby, K., & Slee, P. T. (1993). The Peer Relations Questionnaire (PRQ). Adelaide: University of South Australia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rose, C. A., Espelage, D. L., & Monda-Amaya, L. E. (2009). Bullying and victimisation rates among students in general and special education: A comparative analysis. Educational Psychology, 29(7), 761–776.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rose, C. A., Monda-Amaya, L. E., & Espelage, D. L. (2011). Bullying perpetration and victimization in special education: A review of the literature. Remedial and Special Education, 32, 114–130.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rowley, E., Chandler, S., Baird, G., Simonoff, E., Pickles, A., Loucas, T., et al. (2012). The experience of friendship, victimization, and bullying in children with an autism spectrum disorder: Associations with child characteristics and school placement. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 6, 1126–1134.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Samson, A. C., Huber, O., & Ruch, W. (2011). Teasing, ridiculing, and the relation to the fear of being laughed at in individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 41, 475–483.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saylor, C. F., & Leach, J. B. (2009). Perceived bullying and social support in students accessing special inclusion programming. Journal on Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 21, 69–80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schroeder, J. H., Weiss, J. A., & Bebko, J. M. (2011). CBCL profiles of children and adolescents with Asperger syndrome: A review and pilot study. Journal on Developmental Disabilities, 17(1), 26–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwartz, D., McFadyen-Ketchum, S., Dodge, K. A., Pettit, G. S., & Bates, J. E. (1999). Early behavior problems as a predictor of later peer group victimization: Moderators and mediators in the pathways of social risk. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 27(3), 191–201.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sharp, S., & Cowie, H. (1994). Empowering students to take positive action against bullying. In P. K. Smith & S. Sharp (Eds.), School bullying: Insights and Perspectives (pp. 108–131). London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shtayermman, O. (2007). Peer victimization in adolescents and young adults diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome: A link to depressive symptomatology, anxiety symptomatology, and suicidal ideation. Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing, 30, 87–107.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Slaughter, V., Dennis, M. J., & Pritchard, M. (2002). Theory of mind and peer acceptance in preschool children. British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 20(4), 545–564.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sofronoff, K., Dark, E., & Stone, V. (2011). Social vulnerability and bullying in children and Asperger syndrome. Autism, 15, 355–372.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sterzing, P. R., Shattuck, P. T., Narendorf, S. C., Wagner, M., & Cooper, B. P. (2012). Bullying involvement in autism spectrum disorders: Prevalence and correlates of bullying involvement among adolescents with an autism spectrum disorder. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 166(11), 1058–1064.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Symes, W., & Humphrey, N. (2010). Peer-group indicators of social inclusion among pupils with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) in mainstream secondary schools: A comparative study. School Psychology International, 31(5), 478–494.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ttofi, M., & Farrington, D. (2011). Effectiveness of school-based programs to reduce bullying: A systematic and meta-analytic review. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 7, 27–56.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Twyman, K. A., Saylor, C. F., Saia, D., Macias, M. M., Taylor, L. A., et al. (2010). Bullying and ostracism experiences in children with special health care needs. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 31, 1–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Van Cleave, J., & Davis, M. M. (2006). Bullying and peer victimization among children with special health care needs. Pediatrics, 118, 1212–1219.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Roekel, E., Scholte, H. J., & Didden, R. (2010). Bullying among adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: Prevalence and perception. Journal on Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40, 63–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wainscot, J. J., Naylor, P., Sutcliffe, P., Tantam, D., & Williams, J. V. (2008). Relationships with peers and use of the school environment of mainstream secondary school pupils with Asperger syndrome (high-functioning autism): A case–control study. International Journal of Psychology and Psychological Therapy, 8(1), 25–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, J., Iannotti, R. J., Luk, J. W., & Nansel, T. R. (2010). Co-occurrence of victimization from five subtypes of bullying: Physical, verbal, social exclusion, spreading rumors, and cyber. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 35(10), 1103–1112.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zablotsky, B., Bradshaw, C. P., Anderson, C., & Law, P. A. (2013). The association between bullying and the psychological functioning of children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 34(1), 1–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada

    Jessica H. Schroeder, James M. Bebko & Jonathan A. Weiss

  2. LaMarsh Centre for Child and Youth Research, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada

    M. Catherine Cappadocia & Debra J. Pepler

Authors
  1. Jessica H. Schroeder
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. M. Catherine Cappadocia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. James M. Bebko
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Debra J. Pepler
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jonathan A. Weiss
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jessica H. Schroeder.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Schroeder, J.H., Cappadocia, M.C., Bebko, J.M. et al. Shedding Light on a Pervasive Problem: A Review of Research on Bullying Experiences Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 44, 1520–1534 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-2011-8

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-2011-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation