AUTISM SAFETY
Harassment: Ways to Reduce
Risk Situations for People
With Autism
By Marcia ECKERD, PhD
When you’re a parent of a child of any age with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), you’re
always on the lookout for possible problems. As children get older, their problems get
more complicated. What used to be unexpected swerves and bumps can become
potholes and landmines with serious consequences. Sexual harassment, in particular,
is a landmine.
The issue surrounding harassment
I
ncreased inclusion of kids and adults with ASD in
schools, colleges, and the workforce combined
with society’s increased awareness of sexual ha-
rassment and the enforcement of Title IX (regu-
lations against harassment) have increased the
risk for school discipline and legal actions against
those on the spectrum. The number of court actions
against individuals with ASD is the same as for peo-
ple in the general population; being on the spectrum
isn’t a protection against consequences.
34 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 87
Interpreting social cues and anticipating
consequences
By definition, kids and adults on the spectrum have
difficulty understanding social norms, social cues,
and the points of view of others. Without these skills,
they may not know to avoid behaviors interpreted as
harassment.
One problem is that harassment is vague; it can
be any repeated behavior that makes someone feel
stressed or threatened. It’s in the experience of the