My Son with Autism is having Problems with Bullies on school bus.

Rita - posted on 11/06/2012

The first thing you should do is speak with the Bus Driver. Whoever is driving the bus whether male or female should not be allowing any of the children on the bus to be abused. Call the Head of the Bus Operator and let them know what is happening. Prior to calling make sure you have the drivers' name and the bus number. I drove bus for 18yrs. and if there was a problem with them picking on someone I would move that person to the front. However, those that were picking on the child got pink slips to take in to the principle. They cant' throw these slips away because the principle has too tell the driver on the note (or in person) what he/she has told the bully. These children know this. To be perfectly honest I am amazed that this driver hasn't done anything yet. Like I said call the Bus Company with Bus Number, every bus has a number in the front window. If this doesn't help at all get in touch with the Prinicipal of the school and let him/her take care of the situation. I hope this helps you. Take care!!

Danielle - posted on 11/05/2012

I agree with what everyone is saying.

I would request the names of the children and contact information for the parents.

Calling the parents myself would be on the top of my list of things to do.. or request a sit down with the principal and and the parents. I'm sure if you make a racket they may give a strike against the bullies, which would add up to being kicked off the bus permanently.



No one should be bullied. I would be pissed if my Mom told me that my son would be perceived as a Momma's boy if I was trying to advocate for him.

Michelle - posted on 10/28/2012

Talk to the bus driver and ask him to place those bullies away from your son. Also I would talk to the parents about what you have witnessed, something tells me that the parents are completely unaware of what is going on. If you have the bus, school and the parents all on the same page, these kids might change their tune

Rita - posted on 10/02/2012

Hi there Vanessa: As a retired Bus Driver when I had to deal with kids like this, I would put them in the front seat so as not to be picked on. As well prior to that child getting on the bus I would have a serious conversation with them. If any one of them opened their mouths' it was a Pink Slip written up and the Principle would have to deal with it. It certainly is NOT your sons' fault because of his disabilities and always be sure to tell him this. Children can be so cruel now adays. First off, 1. Go into the school when you can and speak with the Principle

2. As well speak with the Driver and ask that your son be moved to the front

of the bus so that the Driver has a much more better view of whats'

happening. You can speak with the Driver first to see the outcome.

3. If the driver does nothing abt. it, report him/her to the Bus Lines, they will

be spoken to as well.

4. Make sure to tell your son not to pay attention to these bullies

5. Obviously these children in my mind have not been raised properly and the

Principle should be having a one on one conversation with each of them.

6. If nothing changes' I myself would report it to the Board of Ed's Head Office

If nothing is done abt. it. It will only make your son hold in the hurt and then one day he will let them have it. Unfortunately (which is unfair) the School will suspend him. My grandson is ADHD/Asbergers' who is now 13 and honestly I cant' even begin to tell you how many times he has been sent home, suspended all in the name of "How Do You Like It" We dont' want to go there.If they are speaking out even to you as a Parent, there is definetly trouble and it will get worse if nothing is put into place NOW! Its' obvious as well that they are likely picking on him at school and just not getting caught. Stand up for him now before he is old enough to be embarrassed and asks' that you not say anythng, however then he will want to stay at home and not go at all, which is so unfair to him. You have Parental Rights, lay it all down now. If you would have come to me as a Driver and explained what was going on I would do everything in my power to make sure that your son not be bullied on my bus, however thats' just step One. Then he has to put up with the disrespectful "Brats" at school. Pls. do it now, and I am sure the driver would back you if you needed it while speaking with the principle. I truly feel sorry for your son, and I myself would be sick of these kids' as well. I honestly dont' know the rules in all States, I am in Ontario but I would think that Rules and Regulations are across the Board. Like I said if they keep it up it will only make your Son not wanting to go to school. School is supposed to be fun and be happy, this is what makes your child want to keep learning as long as he has the Support and Understanding. Go for it and dont' hold back, bite that bullet now b4 it gets to hard. Again my heart is with your son and already he has difficulty, he doesn't need anymore. Being distracted prior to getting to the school doesn't make for a good day and for your Son to be happy when he comes home, not upset. Good Luck Mom, hold nothing back!!

Vanessa - posted on 09/22/2012

Sounds good. As far as mini bus i think he would be ok with it. Honestly im at the point i want to move. Im just scared they will do nothing. Thank you all for the great advice.

Erin - posted on 09/21/2012

I think that he could get the mini bus if you insist on it. If he is being bullied he does need it. Would he be ok with going on it? If so I would fight with the school. It is their responsibilty to keep him safe. Those bullies need to be held responsible for their actions too. I don't understand why schools that supposibly have a no bullying pollicy seem to do nothing about it when it happens besides shrug.

Sophia - posted on 09/20/2012

your son is in the care of the bus driver. I would talk with the driver, and if that does not work talk with his boss and the school. then if that does not work call your news paper and asked them to help you and your son. people will start to move their a..... good luck. my son also had got hit on the bus I went after the driver, the lady who work on the bus and their boss. can I tell you it never happen again. Girl I told them I will call the state, the news you name it.

Vanessa - posted on 09/20/2012

We just had a school meeting a few days ago about what they are going to do for his needs. They brought up mini bus but said he dont need it. Can i request it? He isnt in special classes. They just do what they think he needs like speech 2 times a week etc..

Patty - posted on 09/20/2012

My son is 11 and has pdd-nos. He has had problems with bullies on the bus the past 2 years. Before that we lived in a different city and walked to school. It go so bad last year that I was driving him to school. I talked to his special ed teacher about it. This year he started junior high and the same kids would be on the bus and there would be no bus monitor. The special ed teacher said we could have him ride the mini bus and put it in his IEP. I was torn and eventually asked my son what he wanted to do and right away he said he wanted to go on the mini bus. We started school 2 weeks ago and he loves taking the mini bus, there are only 3 other kids on the bus, it is nice and quiet and the ride to and from school is quick.

Vanessa - posted on 09/20/2012

Thanks its good to know im not over reacting.

Erin - posted on 09/20/2012

It's the school's responsibility to make sure things like this don't happen to children with special needs. They can do something and have to. I can't stand mean kids.Your definatly doing the right thing.

Anaquita - posted on 09/19/2012

Never underestimate the power of a loud engine, plus I'm sure most learn to tune out the chatter of small kids, as it's usually not malicious, but a bit more on the boring side for an adult. He needs to be aware, that HE needs to be more aware of what's going on.

Vanessa - posted on 09/19/2012

Thank you, i think tomorrow morning i will have to talk to him. I know i told my son to sit away from those kids, but he says the bus driver makes them all sit together up front by him, weird u would think he would hear all this then or see it.

Anaquita - posted on 09/19/2012

When he stops, or drops off. It's one thing if it was the normal teasing. Not nice, but most kids go through it at some point. Though it's harder for a kid on the spectrum to deal with. Bullying gets into worse than teasing, and can often be cruel. Which is hard for neuro-typical kids to deal with! And to hit him? Crossing a line the bus driver should be stepping up against.

Vanessa - posted on 09/19/2012

Thanks i was thinking of talking to bus driver just wanted to make sire i was doing right thing. My mother says I'm making him look like a mommas boy, by the way when is good time to talk to bus driver? When he stops to get kids in morning?

Anaquita - posted on 09/19/2012

Talk to the bus driver, and the school. If they won't, or can't do anything (especially when it crosses into physical bullying) then take him to school yourself?