5 Tips for Protecting Your Child with Special Needs from Bullying
Updated on October 22, 2026
Bullying can affect all children, but special needs children are more likely to be targets. If not managed properly, bullying can result in lifelong insecurities, low self-esteem and other behavioral issues. If you are worried your child is being bullied, start by listening, noting what has changed, and working with the school on a clear response. A child who communicates differently may need extra support to explain what happened. You do not need a complete account before raising a concern.
A 2023 survey of special needs parents conducted by AngelSense found that 80% worry that their child will be bullied on their way to or while at school. But perhaps what’s even more alarming, is that the same survey found that of the parents who said their special child had been bullied, 94% confirmed that there were multiple bullying incidents.
Children with disabilities can face an increased risk of bullying, according to StopBullying.gov’s guidance on disabilities and special health needs. Recognizing possible signs and knowing who will help can make it easier to take the next step.
What constitutes bullying?
Bullying involves unwanted aggressive behavior, a real or perceived imbalance of power, and repetition or the potential for repetition. It can include name-calling, threats, physical aggression, damage to belongings, spreading rumors, or deliberate exclusion. It can also happen online through messages, games, and social platforms.
A single harmful incident still deserves attention, even if it does not meet the full definition of bullying. Focus on what happened and the support your child needs. StopBullying.gov explains the different forms of bullying.
Why are children with special needs more likely to be bullied?
Some studies indicate that special children are nearly five times more likely to be bullied than their peers. Why is this the case?
- They have a unique way of communicating: They may say inappropriate things and/or make gestures which others find amusing or offensive
- They struggle with social cues and nonverbal communication: This can make for unusual social interactions, and often means they aren’t aware they’re being bullied.
- They tend to be loners: Not only does this draw attention to them but it also makes them easy targets. They’re far more likely to be excluded and it’s not uncommon for other children to gang up on them.
What Are the Signs Your Child May Be Experiencing Bullying?
One of the main things to look out for is a sudden change in behavior. This could include a noticeable increase in anxiety, trouble sleeping and more meltdowns than usual. It’s also not uncommon for a special child to start bullying their siblings at home. Oftentimes, these children don’t understand that bullying is wrong, and will emulate their peers’ negative behavior.
A few other signs to look out for include:
- Signs of physical harm: Your child may come home with usual bruises or scratches. You may also notice that their clothing is dirty and that certain items, like shoes or a bag, are missing.
- Sudden reluctance to go to school: If your child suddenly becomes reluctant to go to school and makes up excuses to miss school without good reason.
- Change in your child’s disposition: Your child may be more withdrawn than usual and may seem depressed and noticeably unhappy. There may also be an increase in obsessive behavior.
- Loss of interest: You may notice your child has lost interest in activities and hobbies they used to love. This change in attitude may also be noticeable in your child’s schoolwork and overall attitude towards things.
These changes can have other causes, and some children show few outward signs. Use them as a reason to check in, rather than proof of bullying. The warning-signs guide from StopBullying.gov can help you prepare for that conversation.
For families using AngelSense that suspect their child is displaying some of the signs discussed above, use the 1-Way Voice feature. This is especially effective if a parent suspects foul play at certain times of their child’s day, for instance, on the bus or during recess. At a click of a button, the parent can hear what’s going on in their child’s surroundings during those times, and find out if bullying is in fact occurring.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Child from Bullying?
Once you’re aware your child is being bullied, it’s important to act. These five steps can help you and your child’s school respond together. The goal is a practical plan with adults who know what to do and follow through.
1. Talk to Your Child
A good place to start is by helping your child understand the difference between friendly and abusive interactions. Children with special needs can be taught to identify behavior which harms them physically or emotionally as bullying. While this can be an effective approach, it may take time for your child to really understand the difference. It also may not be easy for your child to stand up to a bully even once they’ve identified the negative behavior.
Choose a calm time and use the communication method your child prefers. They may use speech, an AAC device, writing, drawing, gestures, or pictures. Ask simple, open questions and allow time to respond without filling in the answers for them.
Some children may struggle discussing bullying verbally. In this case you can try encouraging your child to draw what they’re thinking and feeling. Let your child know they are not in trouble and that bullying is not their fault. Write down what they share in their own words or communication, keeping your observations separate. If they find it hard to discuss, a trusted school counselor or another familiar professional may help.
2. Speak to Your Child’s Teachers
Once you’ve identified that your child is being bullied, it’s important to involve your child’s school. Teachers may be able to mediate, and might have practical suggestions for things that can be done to protect your child. Also be sure to check if the school has an anti-bullying policy to see what other measures can be taken.
If your child has an IEP or Section 504 plan, ask the team whether additional supports are needed for access to learning and school activities. Federal guidance on bullying and students with disabilities explains how these plans can be relevant.
While your child’s school can be a source of help and support, keep in mind that you cannot rely on them alone to keep your child safe. Teachers may not be aware of the bullying because often it takes place away from their watchful eyes.
3. Teach Your Child How to Get Help
While your child may not be able to fight back, you can teach them a few strategies to help them deal with bullies more effectively. You could, for example, teach your child to walk away and head for a teacher’s office. Practice a response that fits your child’s communication and support needs. That may mean moving toward a familiar adult, using a help card, or selecting a message on their AAC device. Agree with school staff on who will respond and where your child can go.
A short social story can explain the agreed steps. Do not expect your child to manage bullying alone or tell them to fight back. Adults remain responsible for responding to reports and providing support.
4. Plan for Unstructured Parts of the Day
Recess and breaks tend to be particularly stressful for children with special needs as there is less structure and teacher supervision. This makes a special child vulnerable to bullying. One way to avoid this is to ensure your child has a well thought out plan of action for unstructured play. You could, for example, arrange for your child to go to the school library during lunchtime.
Offer choices, such as a supported activity or a quieter space, based on what your child wants and needs. The response should support participation rather than routinely removing your child from activities because someone else is bullying them.
5. Support Friendships Through a Playgroup or Shared Activity
A playgroup is an effective way for a special child to make friends. Be sure to include as many children from your child’s school as possible. You can also check if your child’s school already has existing playgroups for children that struggle with making new friends. This will not only help your child deal with bullying, but will give them invaluable social skills that will benefit them later in life.
Bullying is something that worries all parents. While there are no guarantees your special child won’t be bullied, you can be proactive by ensuring your child has the necessary tools to deal with this abusive behavior.
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