Bullying and the Special Needs Child (continued)

• Explain the rules. Talk about when something is the child’s and when it is not. Jason’s turn on the swings is just that – Jason’s turn. Whether or not another child wants to swing at that moment it is not an option because someone else is taking his own turn.

• School them in body language. Teach your child that a head shake, turning away, or standing up to someone (as well as the verbal “No”) means no. These body signals should tell the child to stop. If your child is struggling to pick up on social cues, practice different scenarios at home, and discuss what happened afterward.

• Use appropriate social language. Help your child practice using words, not actions, to get what he wants. If he wants to play with a ball or borrow a pencil, remind him to wait for a positive response before taking the desired item.

Parents of typically developing children can explain that children with special needs may be struggling with social skills. This is their opportunity to take a leadership role and show respect to their classmates. They can help stop the cycle of bullying by supporting their special needs peers.