Nearly half of children with ADHD are victims of bullying, and 16% have bullied other children. The presence of bullying is double that experienced by other children.

Nearly half of children with ADHD are victims of bullying, and 16% have bullied other children — more than double the amount of bullying experienced by neurotypical peers.

Do these descriptions sound familiar “My  child is bullied, picked on, or excluded by other children” or “My  child is implicated and bullies others, picks on them, or excludes them”

Risk factors of being bullied. Difficulty making or keeping friends.  Family financial strain, developmental delay or intellectual disability, friendship difficulties, and the frequency of school contact with the family.

Risk of perpetrating bullying. Boys were more likely than girls, and younger children were more likely than older children. The strongest predictor was a child who “argues too much.” Other significant predictors for BP included receipt of government assistance, difficulty staying calm, friendship challenges, lack of interest/engagement in school, and the school contacting the family.

The majority of the children (64%) were taking medications for ADHD, while slightly less than half (45%) had received ADHD behavioural treatment.

Bully-Proofing Your Child

Is your child being targeted by bullies at school? Learn how involving the school and teaching him to look a bully in the eye can stop the teasing and taunt in its tracks.

Teasing and playful banter are an inevitable part of childhood, but children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often don’t know how to respond. Parents should encourage their children to stand up to teasing without overreacting, which might escalate the problem.

• Alert your child’s teachers and school principal about any bullying, and let the school take care of the situation.
• Suggest that the school establish antibullying rules if it hasn’t already done so.
• Encourage your child to stay calm in the face of bullying. He might count to 10 or take a few deep breaths before responding. He could agree with the bully: “I am overweight.” Or preempt taunts by saying, “Hi, what will you tease me about today?”
• Teach your child to yell, “Ouch! Stop that!” once he’s taunted. That will attract an adult’s attention without his tattling.
• Encourage your child to stand up straight, make eye contact, and speak in a firm, authoritative tone. If the bullying seems to have a specific, petty target – like the type of cap your son wears on the bus – have him leave it home for a few days.
• Ask your child for a daily progress report, and offer abundant encouragement.