Young Asperger sufferers ‘driven to depression’

PERSISTENT bullying of children with Asperger syndrome (AS) makes them more prone to suicidal thoughts, depression and school absenteeism, a study found yesterday.

The survey of students with this form of austim found they were 10 times more likely than their peers to be bullied several times a week and that mainstream schools were ill-equipped to deal with their needs.

Dr Maria Lawlor, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with the North Eastern Health Board (NEHB) and co-author of the study, said exclusion from social activities was the most common form of bullying.