Risk of being bullied at school triples for boys and girls with autism spectrum disorder

The URV study examined the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in school-age juveniles and how these conditions affect them in social relationships.

A research team from the URV Nutrition and Mental Health Group examined the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children attending school in the Tarragona region. The study, which also determined the extent to which these disorders affect children’s social relationships, collected data from 7,000 schoolchildren, of whom 700 were studied in detail. The results showed that 1.5% of children had ASD and 5% were diagnosed with ADHD. This study, called EPINED, found that the risk of being bullied, isolated or socially isolated can triple in children with one of these disorders.

In the first part of the study, Nuria Voltas and Fina Canals, researchers from the Department of Psychology, determined the prevalence (number of cases diagnosed at a certain time and in a certain environment) of autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and girls from the Tarragona area. To do this, they tested more than 7,000 minors from two age groups: preschool 4 and 5th grade primary education (EP) students from a representative sample of the entire province. Using tests answered by teachers and families, they were able to identify cases showing signs of one of the two disorders. As a result of the screening, a sample of 700 children was obtained, among whom there was a control group to assess the correct functioning of the technique.

After interviewing juveniles and their families and examining all cases individually, the researchers determined that 1.5% of boys and girls in the sample had ASD, and for ADHD the diagnosis prevalence was 5%. “We have also assessed other schoolchildren with undiagnosed difficulties who do not have all the symptoms; If we take them into account, we can say that 3.5% of them have some symptoms of ASD,” they note.

Another goal of the study was to determine whether and to what extent children diagnosed with any of these disorders experience social distress. Researchers found that 35% of elementary school students with ADHD reported experiencing some form of bullying, isolation, or social isolation. “This phenomenon is aggravated in those children who have ADHD combined, that is, with all the typical symptoms: attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity,” explains Nuria Voltas.

For students with ASD, who are characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication and behavioral problems, 58% were found to feel disconnected and excluded. “Children with ASD want to communicate, but don’t know how; In the case of ADHD, they are so active and intense that the disorder affects their relationships with others,” explains Fina Canals. These characteristics mean that their behavior may be perceived by peers as “weird” or “annoying.” For students without any type of diagnosed disorder, the rate of perceived bullying, isolation or social isolation is 18%.

The study also found that in cases where both disorders were present, that is, comorbid, feelings of social isolation were increased. These results are not representative of children with ASD and ADHD I4 because they are not mature enough to respond to tests of perceived victimization due to school maltreatment.

“Bullying has long-term consequences and increases feelings of fear in social relationships; Having ASD or ADHD and feeling like a victim exacerbates emotional problems,” says Fina Canals. As these people grow up and enter adolescence and adulthood, they have “very high rates of mental illness” and “high risk of suicide.” For this reason, the study authors state the need for programs against bullying include specifications for risk groups with specific measures.

Link: Morales-Hidalgo P, Voltas N, Canals J. Self-reported bullying victimization in preadolescent children on the autism spectrum: the EPINED Study. Autism. 2024, April 16: 13623613241244875. doi: 10.1177/13623613241244875. Epub before printing. PMID: 38623050.