"What We All Want In Life Is A Shot": Bullying and Special Needs

Every parent wants to see their kid hit it out of the park -- just once. For Jason McElwain, it was dunking 3 pointers.

"Hitting it out of the park" can apply to anything. For some it's sports but for others it can be math, photography, music, writing or hundreds of other interests. EVERY parent wants this feeling of accomplishment for their child, including parents of children with special needs.

Sometimes it's a coach like Jim Johnson of Greece Athena High School or sometimes it's someone who just recognizes the whole person, not just aspects of a child that make it hard for them to fit in. Ironically, it's the hidden parts that make them stand out that need to be discovered, nurtured, appreciated and given a chance. If schools aren't prepared to educate mainstream students about kids with disabilities, then kids with challenges, such as Asperger's, don't have a chance "to take their shot." As a matter of fact, it's often the opposite. Kids with challenges are vulnerable to taunts, exclusion and physical bullying. (As mentioned in previous posts, kids with Asperger's are 6 times more likely to be bullied in school.)

Jason McElwain's story is a teachable moment. It's up to the entire school--students, parents, teachers, coaches--to help every child "hit it out of the park."

If every parent talked to their child about how to treat others in school before the new year started, bullying wouldn't be the reason why tens of thousands of kids don't want to go to school. As a commentator from ESPN said, "What we all want in life is a shot." Let's start talking.

The Bully Project: Alex

When I get a little tired and think, "Why did I decide to take on bullying? This is too big and too hard. My career in television and public relations was fine," I think about Alex.

Alex has Asperger's and although I don't have a child with Asperger's, I feel responsible for all the kids that do who go to school and are bullied. Kids with Asperger's are 6 times more likely to be bullied and it doesn't make sense.

The Bully Project is the first feature length documentary to take on this issue. It provides an insight into what kids go through but it's goal is to provide solutions as well.

If you want to be a part of the success of this film and care to donate, IndieGoGo makes it easy. Alex and all the kids profiled in the film are worth it.

Kids with Asperger's More Likely to Be Bullied

According to keynote remarks by Kevin Jennings, director of Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools, at the CSEE Institute yesterday, kids with Asperger's Syndrome are six times more likely to be bullied in school. If you're a parent of a child with Asperger's, this is no surprise.

There is absolutely no reason to let this happen. Every administrator and every teacher should be trained in what to do to protect kids with disabilities. There are many programs out there. One simple step overlooked by many schools is a bullying prevention plan for lower grades so that as they progress in school it's the expectation that every child will be respected.

What about the lessons we're teaching at home? Are kids getting the message at home to be good to everyone, including and especially, kids with disabilities? Parents of children with Asperger's need support. When parents don't talk to their kids about how to treat others, we are the bystander who lets bullying happen. We are all somewhat responsible.

And if we do, what a beautiful and opposite result. We can also be responsible for providing joy in a child's life and peace for their parent.