ABSTRACT
The previous chapters gave voice to families and individuals living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on a daily basis. These intimate accounts illustrate the complexities associated with a diagnosis of ASD, from the myriad symptoms often overlooked by the clinical field to the struggle to avail of treatment options available. Despite these tangible difficulties, a common thread is evident throughout: the struggle to adapt, and to find love, support, and acceptance from society—both for the family unit and at an individual level. From the account of Daniel, so eager to play with his classmates that it becomes overwhelming, to Jayden, innocently following her peers desperate to connect, these two highly emotional accounts appear to lie in direct contrast to our academic, clinical, and often public perception of ASD. This chapter explores the subtleties of socialization that are largely discounted by our traditional conceptualization of ASD, namely, bullying.
