The Impact of Inclusion on Bullying Among Children with Autism

Abstract

The inclusion of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in mainstream schools has been a subject of increasing interest. However, limited research has focused on the impact of such inclusion on bullying behaviors in children with autism. The present study explores the effects of inclusion on bullying among a sample of children with autism, comparing integrated children with autism, non-integrated children with autism, and neurotypical children. A total of 93 children aged 5-12 years from Hail City, Saudi Arabia, participated in the study. The Bullying Behaviour and Experience Scale (BBES) was used to measure bullying victimization and bullying behaviors. The results indicated that children with autism in inclusive settings experienced higher levels of bullying and were more likely to engage in bullying behaviors compared to both their non-integrated peers and neurotypical children. These findings highlight the potential risks associated with the inclusion of children with autism in regular schools and underscore the need for targeted interventions to reduce bullying in inclusive education settings.