Description: While research studies show that autistic learners are more likely to be bullied than their neurotypical peers, there are ways to prevent this form of relational aggression, which may be considered disability harassment. There are four distinct types of bullying associated with children with autism. Learn to recognize them and how to work with educators and coaches to neutralize the behavior in a way that doesn’t blame the victim.

Presenter: Chelsea Budde raised and was taught by her two (now adult) neurodivergent children, both of whom were diagnosed with autism in early childhood. Each child went on to receive several other diagnoses into their adolescence, some connected to their neurology and some not. What she learned through their shared and distinct experiences inspired both the co-founding of a now-defunct nonprofit organization as well as Chelsea’s Vocation, which publishes a podcast of the same name. For nearly two decades, she has helped families and educators better understand autistic children’s neurology, so they can make neuroaffirming choices in their parenting and education.

Learning Objectives:

• Define/Describe bullying in the context of a school setting as it applies to autistic students.
• Identify at least one type of bullying that might be considered disability harassment.
• Learn strategies to prevent or reduce bullying behaviors in community settings.