Bullying at School: Policies and Advocacy

Why does bullying occur, and what are the policies surrounding this?

By Robin Rettie, MEd, Special Education

Some people with autism may feel anxious or have low self-esteem or self-confidence regarding social engagement. The mental processing needed for social exchange is demanding and may require a moment to withdraw and recharge.

This, unfortunately, can make some the perfect target for bullying.

What parents and children should know

The limbic system in the brain is where emotions, motivation, and behavior are processed. The amygdalae, two almond-shaped structures known as the emotional center, can be underactivated. This can result in social misinterpretations, which could lead to social bullying.

To safely exit a situation with confidence, an elaborate protective process includes the following systems:

• sensory

• peripheral and central nervous

• limbic

Protecting oneself starts with sensory stimuli that enter the eight pathways:

• sight,

• sound,

• touch,

• smell,

• taste,

• interoception,

• proprioception,

• vestibular.

They travel through the peripheral and central nervous systems, sending a message to the limbic area of the brain.

Each system is purposefully designed to work together. Yet, if incoming sensory information is perceived as overwhelming due to bullying, the process can go off course and lead to exaggerated fears and responses.

When the amygdalae are put on notice, the message can be perceived as a serious situation. The human body responds physiologically through the human organs. This 8th sensory system, interoception, can result in several physical responses such as: