Abstract

Bullying is a serious problem for people with Asperger Syndrome (AS), both at school and in the workplace, and displaying 'different' behavior, such as not understanding social rules or hand-flapping, exacerbates the risk of being victimized.

Writing in an accessible, informal style, the author describes the bullying behavior he and other individuals have experienced, and the effect this has had on their lives. He outlines the reasons for bullying behavior and the danger of persistent recurrence if it remains unchecked, as well as the critical importance of 'involving the bystander'. Nick Dubin goes on to provide a range of effective strategies to address bullies and bullying that can be applied by parents, professionals, schools, and individuals being bullied. He stresses the importance of peer intervention, empathetic teachers, and verbal self-defense, and shows how lack of support, condemning of 'tale telling,' or even blaming the victim reinforces bullying.

This book offers individuals with AS who are being bullied the opportunity to see that they are not alone, and it is an invaluable source of advice for parents, teachers, professionals and personnel managers.

Bullying can be a problem in most schools, even in those with zero tolerance outlook and a good anti-bullying programme. Children with special needs are particularly prone to be targets of bullies, as they are already 'different' from their peers. In this well written. well-researched book, the author's first hand experience, his insight and his common-sense approach to the varied ways in which bullying becomes evident, add up to a volume well worth reading. Dubin lists teachers, administrators, employers and employees as bullies in addition to peer group bullies at school,. He gives clear examples of how child with Asperger's Syndrome finds it difficult to understand social interaction, the intentions of others, the facial expressions. and off hand comments that other children take for granted. This is an excellent starting point for an in-service workshop on bullying, and would be particularly useful in a school practising inclusive education where children on the autistic spectrum are part of the student body.
School Librarian Journal
Written in an accessible style by someone who has AS and has experienced bullying. Not only for people who have this syndrome, but also all those who support and work with them.
Current Awareness Service

This is a very well presented and readable book. It not only puts a very human perspective on the behaviours, feelings, and thinking of those with Asperger's syndrome, byt also gives a very comprehensive account of the statistical, theoretical, and professional aspects of me condition.

Nick Dubin succeeds in using the insights gained from his experience (he was diagnosed with Aserger's syndrome in 2004) of support and provides greater understanding of the complexity of Asperger's syndrome, while at the same time maintaining the degree of professional detachment necessary to ensure that this book is a useful working document... I found this book difficult to put down once I began to read it. It grounded my theoretical knowledge of Asperger's syndrome and provided me with a level of insight that I did not have previously. There is no doubt that Asperger's syndrome and Bullying: Strategies and Solutions is a must for the educational psychologist. It contains a wealth of information and a practical toolkit for addressing bullying, and at a very low cost.

British Psychological Society, Debate
Power imbalances underlie bullying and this book goes some way to empowering victims, bystanders, parents and schools, thereby helping to redress this balance. The author draws on his personal experience as a youngster with (then undiagnosed) Asperger's Syndrome, as well as his later professional experiences, to write passionately about bullying, its significant and often long-term effects, and what can be done about it. Chapters on why children with Asperger's often present as easy targets for bullying and victimisation, ways in which adults and school staff can be be bullies too and why bullies and bystanders may act as they do increase awareness and understanding of these issues. Strategies that individuals, parents and schools can implement to deal with bullies are also described, and these may apply equally to students with or without Asperger's Syndrome.
Youth in Mind
Not only will Asperger Syndrome and Bullying help former victims piece together the "why"s and "how"s of prior trauma, but educational professionals also are served well to read this book. For giving them much to choose from, Dubin meticulously outlines (and provides commentary on) every available community-based strategy and school program designed to combat those atmospheres that condone bullying. His book is a wonderful addition to the growing literature currently investigating the environment of bullying, the culture of bullying, and the myths we once believed about it. Asperger Syndrome and Bullying serves as a great sociological analysis, yes, but readers are provided an added layer - hearing a writer heal before our eyes.
from the Foreword by Michael John Carley, executive director of GRASP, The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership
I would recommend this book to anyone working with people with Asperger syndrome and not just where bullying has been identified as a problem. Useful pointers in how to talk and communicate are provided
Drama Therapy
Combining personal life experiences and those of others along with the acumen of a researcher, Nick Dubin introduces the reader to how the characteristics of Asperger Syndrome interplay with the social environment that makes these children and adults targets of bullying. In addition to clearly depicting the extent of the irreparable harm caused by bullying, he tells us how easily to recognize and stop this destructive behavior at the individual, in the classroom, and at school wide levels.
Stephen M. Shore, Board of Directors of the Autism Society of America, the Asperger's Association of New England, and other related organizations
This is a very well presented and readable book. It not only puts a very human perspective on the behaviours, feelings, and thinking of those with Asperger's syndrome, but also gives a very comprehensive account of the statistical, theoretical, and professional aspects of me condition... I found this book difficult to put down once I began to read it. It grounded my theoretical knowledge of Asperger's syndrome and provided me with a level of insight that I did not have previously. There is no doubt thatAsperger's syndrome and Bullying: Strategies and Solutions is a must for the educational psychologist. It contains a wealth of information and a practical toolkit for addressing bullying, and at a very low cost.
Debate
This book offers individuals with AS who are being bullied the opportunity to see that they are not alone, and it is an invaluable source of advice for parents, teachers, professionals and personnel managers.
Autism Us
Nick Dubins Book on bullying and Asperger Syndrome is an interesting read for therapist with experience of Asperger Syndrome and working with school-aged pupils. It will deepen your understanding and awareness of the issues and provide useful strategies to pass on to teaching staff. Many of Nick's ideas can be incorporated within social skills therapy to develop assertiveness skills and social understanding. Parents may also wish to read the book and will particularly enjoy the sections aimed directly at them. Bullying is an important topic and the book will be a valuable addition to your library.
Speech & Language Therapy in Practice
This book is exceptional in its call to empower the victims and its challenge to bystanders to intervene, but there is another compelling gem found here. Mr Dubin's abundant stories illustrating how people with AS perceive and experience their environment are a brilliant window into the inner life of children with AS. His perspective is a gift of empathy and understanding that transcends the subject of bullying and would benefit every teacher, parent and professional.
Autism Asperger's Digest
Nick Dubin was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in 2004. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Oakland University, a Master's Degree in Learning Disabilities from the University of Detroit Mercy, and a Specialist Degree in Psychology from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology, where he is now pursuing a doctoral degree in Psychology. Nick lives in a suburb of Detroit, MI. He regularly presents workshops on bullying. He has produced two DVDs, Asperger Syndrome and Employment: A Personal Guide to Succeeding at Work and Being Bullied: Strategies and Solutions for People with Asperger's Syndrome, also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.