Don't be a bully!

This appeared on my FB feed today.  It is from the Autism Speaks FB page:  "Unfortunately, 60% of children with special needs experience severe bullying. We’re proud to be part of the community promoting the new documentary film Bully to raise awareness about how bullying affects children with special needs, like autism. Check out specialneeds.thebullyproject.com to learn more, and find out what you can do to help our children live in a bully free world."

I would be lying if I said I don't worry about this.  I really do.  I've seen how other kids, even some of his own cousins, look annoyed with him.  They don't understand his way and will tell him to "shut up" or give him a look.  It breaks my heart.  But I stay calm and just remove him from the situation.  Thankfully he's not aware that their words are action are insensitive.  One day he may, and I will be there for him. But you can help!  PLEASE educate your children. We can't be with them 24/7 to protect then or to make sure they do the right thing.  All we can do is give them the tools and the guidance to make good decisions when we're not around.

Here are some more articles on this subject:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57406540/survey-finds-63-of-children-with-autism-bullied/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/28/autism-bully-aspberger_n_1385603.html

http://www.livescience.com/19304-bullying-autism-asperger.html

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/03/26/kids-autism-bullied/15242/