Bullying is a serious problem for people with Asperger Syndrome (AS), both at school and in the workplace, and displaying ‘different’ behavior, such as not understanding social rules or hand-flapping, exacerbates the risk of being victimized.
Writing in an accessible, informal style, the author describes the bullying behavior he and other individuals have experienced, and the effect this has had on their lives. He outlines the reasons for bullying behavior and the danger of persistent recurrence if it remains unchecked, as well as the critical importance of ‘involving the bystander’. Nick Dubin goes on to provide a range of effective strategies to address bullies and bullying that can be applied by parents, professionals, schools, and individuals being bullied. He stresses the importance of peer intervention, empathetic teachers, and verbal self-defense, and shows how lack of support, condemning of ‘tale telling, ‘ or even blaming the victim reinforces bullying.
This book offers individuals with AS who are being bullied the opportunity to see that they are not alone, and it is an invaluable source of advice for parents, teachers, professionals and personnel managers.
Table of Content
Foreword by Michael John Carley. Introduction. 1. My Own Experiences of Being Bullied. 2. Easy Targets: Children on the Autism Spectrum. 3. Empowering Victims. 4. Empowering Bystanders. 5. Empowering Teachers. 6. Understanding Bullies. 7. Empowering Parents. 8. Empowering Schools. 9. Interview with My Parents. Appendix I: Frequently Asked Questions. Appendix II: Internet Resources. References. Index.
About the author
Nick Dubin was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in 2004. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Oakland University, a Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities from the University of Detroit Mercy, and a Specialist Degree in Psychology and Psy.D. from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology. He has authored many books on autism spectrum disorders including ‘Asperger Syndrome and Anxiety’, also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Nick lives in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan.