October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a movement started by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center to encourage schools, families, and communities to work together to prevent bullying.
Kids who seem different from their peers can be more likely to be targeted, including children with ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities, or other disabilities. Wearing headphones in a loud cafeteria, needing a movement break, or reacting strongly to a sound or texture can make a child stand out in ways other kids don't always understand.
Understanding and acceptance start with the adults and peers around them. This month is a good time to talk about differences, practice kindness, and help every child feel like they belong.
Why Understanding Differences Matters
When kids understand why a classmate wears ear defenders or takes breaks, those differences are less likely to become a target. Simple, honest conversations can help children see that everyone's brain and body work a little differently, and that's okay.
Some ideas for starting the conversation at home:
- Talk about the different ways people experience sound, touch, light, and movement
- Share examples of tools people use to feel comfortable, like glasses, headphones, or fidgets
- Read books together that include voices and characters who think differently
- Ask open questions, like "What would you do if someone was being left out?"
- Notice and praise moments of kindness
Supporting a Child Who Feels Different
For children who stand out because of their sensory or learning needs, feeling confident and supported can make a big difference. Depending on the child, helpful strategies may include:
Name their strengths. Help them recognize what they're good at and what makes them unique.
Practice what to say. Role-play simple responses to unkind comments, and practice walking away and finding a trusted adult.
Identify safe people. Make sure they know which teachers, staff, or friends they can go to at school.
Keep communication open. A regular, low-pressure check-in, like a question at dinner or on the drive home, can make it easier to share when something is wrong.
Partner with the school. Share what helps your child, and ask how the school handles bullying and supports inclusion.
Noticing When Something Is Wrong
Kids don't always say when they're being bullied. Changes like not wanting to go to school, coming home upset, lost or damaged belongings, trouble sleeping, or pulling away from friends can be signs that something is going on.
If you notice changes like these, ask gently, listen without judgment, and reach out to the school. StopBullying.gov offers guidance for families and educators. If a child is ever in immediate danger, contact emergency services right away.
Reading Together: Books From the TouchPoints Collective
Books can open conversations and help kids and adults see themselves and others with more understanding. A few picks from the TouchPoints Collective:
The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide by Yenn Purkis and Tanya Masterman is a practical handbook for autistic teens and tweens that celebrates the strengths of thinking differently.
Sincerely, Your Autistic Child brings together autistic voices sharing what they wish parents knew about growing up, acceptance, and identity.
Thinking Person's Guide to Autism gathers perspectives from autistic people, parents, and professionals, making it a helpful read for families and educators alike.
Unmasking Autism by Devon Price explores masking and the wider picture of neurodiversity, a thoughtful read for parents and adults.
A Soft Landing After a Hard Day
School days can be long, especially when social situations are hard. A predictable after-school routine with a snack, some quiet time, and a chance to talk (or not talk) can help kids decompress.
Moon Pals 5lb Hugger Plush, like Opal, Bo, and Mylo, offer a weighted, hug-like feel for cozy downtime on the couch or in a reading corner.
TouchPoints use BLAST® bilateral stimulation to provide gentle, alternating tactile stimulation through paired wearable devices. Some families make them part of the after-school routine, wearing them during quiet time, on the drive home, or while talking through the day. The TouchPoints™ Together Bundle includes two complete sets, so a parent and child can use TouchPoints at the same time.
Comfort items and TouchPoints don't replace support from trusted adults, the school, or professionals. They are one more way to make home feel like a calm place to land.
Wear Orange for Unity Day
Each October, Unity Day invites people to wear and share orange as a visible message of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. It's an easy way for families, classrooms, and workplaces to show that no one should be bullied.
Explore TouchPoints and the TouchPoints Collective
Learn more about TouchPoints™ for Sensory Support, and browse the TouchPoints Collective for books, comfort items, and sensory-friendly tools for everyday routines.
TouchPoints are a general wellness device and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. They are not a substitute for medical or therapeutic advice. If a child is experiencing bullying or ongoing distress, reach out to their school, pediatrician, or a qualified mental health professional.
