MIDDLE-CUSS MOTllERS' PERCEPTIONS OF PEER AND SIBLING VICTIMlZATION AMONG CIIIIDREN WITII ASI'ERGER'S SYNDROME AND NONVEKBAL LEARNING ZlISORDERS

I'his article riescdxs the ycaiy pmvalznce snd frequency oS peer and sibling victimimtian as reportcd by s l q e national sample of middle-class mothers of children wilh Asperger's syndrolne and nonverbal learning disorrlers. An anonymous, mailed survey was sent to Pimilies solicited fiom two national Internet sites for parcnts af children with Aspelger's and nonverbal learning disordiers using the Coniprehensive Juvenile Vidinlization scnlc and three questions designcd to measure peer shunning. The overall prevalence rate reported by mothers oS peer victimization was 93% Mothers reported that almost thrcc-qu;uters of their children had been hit by peers or siblings in tbc past year and 75% had been emotionally bullied. On the more sewre end o S peer victimization, 10% nf ihe children were attacked by a gang in the past year and 15% were victims of nonsexual assaults to the genitals. Peer shunning also was common. A third of the children had not treen invitcd to a single birthday party in the past year, and nrany were eating alone at lunch or were picked last for teams. Peer shunning was significantly correlated with peer bullying and assault. The high ratcs of peer shunning and peer victimizatiorr reported suggest that children with Asperger's and nonverbal learning disorders may require further scrutiny and attention concerning their victimization experiences by peers and siblings. hnplicotions lor oursing professionals are reviewed.