From the Guidelines
Approximately 11.3% of children with intellectual disability are reported to have been bullied, as indicated by substantiated child maltreatment cases. This percentage is derived from a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in 2020 1. The study highlights the increased risk of trauma and abuse, including bullying, that individuals with intellectual disability (ID) or intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) face throughout their lives.
Key Points to Consider
- Individuals with ID/IDD are at increased risk for being bullied, particularly if they have ADHD, as noted in the study 1.
- The educational/habilitation program provided for the child should be assessed to ensure it meets the child’s needs, as inappropriate educational placements/demands can contribute to psychiatric and behavioral symptoms, including those related to bullying.
- Stressful life events, such as a move to a new house/residence, serious problems with family or friends, or recent trauma/abuse, can predict emergency department use for behavioral health complaints in individuals with ID/IDD, underscoring the need for supportive environments.
- Sleep disturbance, which is more likely in youths with ID/IDD than in typically developing youths, can be associated with behavioral and psychiatric disorders, potentially exacerbating the impact of bullying.
Implications for Practice
- Parents and educators should be aware of the signs of bullying, such as school avoidance, declining grades, or emotional changes, and implement prompt intervention strategies to protect these vulnerable students.
- Targeted anti-bullying interventions in schools, including disability awareness education, social skills training for affected children, and creating inclusive classroom environments, are crucial to mitigate the risk of bullying among children with learning disabilities.
From the Research
Bullying and Learning Disabilities
- There is evidence to suggest that children with learning disabilities are at a greater risk of being bullied 2, 3.
- A study found that having a disability, such as a learning disability, increases the risk of later mental health problems through bullying victimization 2.
- Another study discussed the factors and characteristics that make children and youth with learning disabilities vulnerable to bullying, but did not provide a specific percentage of children with learning disabilities who are bullied 3.
- Unfortunately, none of the provided studies report a specific percentage of children with learning disabilities who are bullied.
Related Studies
- Other studies have investigated the relationship between mental health and bullying, but do not provide information on the percentage of children with learning disabilities who are bullied 4, 5, 6.
- These studies focus on topics such as the effectiveness of behavioral activation for depression in adults with learning disabilities 4, the combination of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and cognitive behavioral therapy in youth with depression and anxiety 5, and the impact of early life adversity on symptom change following selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and cognitive behavioral therapy 6.