Being Bullied

Bullying is a serious problem in schools and children on the autism spectrum are particularly at risk of being victimized if they display "different" behavior, such as not understanding rules, having bad handwriting or flapping their hands. Being Bullied describes the various types of peer abuse - taunting, nicknames, damaging property, stealing, and cyber bullying - and the devastating consequences, such as poor self-esteem, low academic achievement, depression, or even suicide. Narrated by Nick Dubin and featuring footage of his own childhood that illustrates behaviors that made him an easy target for bullies, the film also includes the stories of three individuals with Asperger's Syndrome who talk about their experiences of being bullied. The DVD outlines practical strategies for parents, professionals, schools, and individuals being bullied on how to prevent bullying. It stresses the importance of peer intervention, empathetic teachers, and verbal self-defense and shows how lack of teacher support, condemning of "tale telling," or even blaming the victim reinforces bullying. This DVD offers children and young people who are being bullied a chance to see that they are not alone, and will be a valued source of advice for parents and professionals.