SCHOOL VIOLENCE AND BULLYING AGAINST STUDENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: VULNERABILITIES, IMPACTS, AND INCLUSIVE STRATEGIES

Abstract

School violence constitutes a significant challenge for educational institutions, as it can compromise students’ development and the creation of inclusive environments. Among its manifestations, bullying stands out because of its psychological, physical, social, educational, and behavioral impacts it may produce, particularly when directed at students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study analyzes, through bibliographic and documentary research, manifestations of bullying against students with ASD, factors associated with their vulnerability, the impacts of this form of violence, and aspects related to prevention and intervention from the perspective of inclusive education. This is a qualitative, descriptive study based on scientific articles, books, legislation, and official documents. The analyses indicate that vulnerability to bullying does not result exclusively from the characteristics of ASD, but rather from the interaction between individual particularities, barriers present in the school environment, and insufficient institutional conditions for accommodating diversity. The study found that differences related to communication, social interaction, school participation, and sensory processing, combined with a lack of information and the presence of exclusionary practices, may increase these students’ exposure to discrimination, isolation, and aggression. The identified impacts include emotional distress, social isolation, learning difficulties, and impaired school retention. The studies show that prevention requires permanent institutional policies, continuing professional development, support for education professionals, adequate working conditions, timely identification of incidents, family participation, and inclusive pedagogical practices. It is concluded that addressing bullying is an institutional, collective, and intersectoral responsibility involving public authorities, education systems, schools, families, and the community in ensuring the rights established by law.