I have so many different things to write about because of things that are happening now. But I read this article and I just couldn’t stop the words from tumbling out of my brain. You may have seen it. You can find the original here : Bullying.

In case you don’t have time to click and read….

1. Bullying promotes Autism friendly programs. If you believe this, let me give you my Paypal info too. You can just drop some cash in there instead of supporting said “program.”
2. Team Work: Working together as a team in partnership with you as the parent, the school’s teaching staff, aides, principal, counselors, and psychologists will provide the safest environment for your child to learn and enjoy.
   Um, yeah. I don’t know about you but no matter how hard I try, I can’t get the school to cooperate. It’s always my fault.
3. Autism Awareness Every Month: Yep, people become really aware of how “perfect” their kids are. And they still don’t give a crap about you, your child or your family.
4. Kids Learn Skills: The bullies become better bullies and the victims become more traumatized.
5. Builds Strength: As your child learns defensive skills from you, his friends, and his teachers, he is growing stronger connections with everyone.
   As your child is getting either the physical or emotional crap beat out of them, I’m sure this is what we’re all thinking.
6. More Friendships: Because we all know that other kids flock to the victim’s side and abandon the bully, who is usually seen as more popular.
7. Overall Well-Being Are you seeing a pattern yet? I would love to know how my kid’s well being is improving as more and more peers shun my child for being a victim.
8. Healthy Relationships: Ways to deal with bullying also help your child deal with sibling rivalry, ‘stranger danger’, or any other personal threat.
   My kid doesn’t even know what a “healthy relationship” looks like because someone is always beating the crap out of them, including the verbal abuse from the teacher.
9. Increased Life Skills I can see this one. I’ll tell you why in a few sentences to follow.
10. Self-Esteem: Ironically, and in spite of the bully’s goal to do the opposite, your child will grow self-confidence and self-preservation esteem. By now, I am wondering exactly what corner of this fair land the author hails from.
    

This is just a “kids” version from the author. Let me know give you a peek behind the curtain….

I’m an adult with Autism. I’m 47 years old. Some of my most vivid memories from my childhood involve many of the above items. I didn’t develop “self-preservation” skills. I survived. I survived the forced teamwork, where I was always picked last (how’s that for a self-confidence boost). My parents had the joy of dealing with the school on  a regular basis. It was not even cordial. Most of the time, my mom had to come and explain why I was in trouble. You know, because the staff was so supportive and understanding.

Life skills…I did learn to beat the crap out of bullies. I did learn how not to tick off my teachers. Yep, don’t question them at all. I learned to blend in by wearing the “in” style of clothes and mimicking my “successful” peers. I guess you could say I did learn life skills.

So, here’s the deal. The author of this article claims to be an ABA professional. She claims to have helped thousands “find their way” through books and seminars. I don’t believe in ABA. Maybe it’s because it didn’t exist in my world. Maybe because I feel focusing on forcing yourself to be something you are not is a waste of time. Maybe it’s because I didn’t eat enough glue in preschool, wait….kindergarten.

I am a living, breathing human being who still has to deal with bullies. They are everywhere, including on the internet in articles like this. Why is it EVER okay to say bullying is a good thing?