
Reach for this book when your neurodivergent child begins to feel like a target for social exclusion or mistreatment at school. It is an essential resource for children on the autism spectrum who struggle to interpret social hierarchies or find themselves overwhelmed by the 'unwritten rules' of the playground. Rather than offering empty platitudes, Emily Lovegrove provides a toolkit of practical, psychological strategies designed to help children understand why bullying happens and how to manage it without losing their sense of self. This guide focuses on building genuine self-confidence and physical presence. It covers everything from body language and 'staying cool' under pressure to understanding the motives of peers. It is most effective for children aged 7 to 15, offering a scaffolded approach that moves from simple awareness to complex social navigation. Parents will find it a valuable ally in transforming a child's role from a passive victim to an empowered individual who knows their worth.
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Sign in to write a reviewAddresses ableism and the mistreatment of those who are perceived as different.
The book deals directly with neurodivergence and social exclusion. The approach is secular and highly realistic, focusing on what a child can actually control (their own reactions and boundaries) rather than promising that adults will always fix the problem. The resolution is empowering and focused on personal growth.
A 10-year-old child with an ASD diagnosis who is beginning to notice they are being treated differently by peers and feels confused or 'broken' by social friction. It suits a child who prefers logical explanations over vague emotional advice.
Parents should preview the 'Confidence' exercises to practice them with their child. The book can be read in chunks, but the chapter on 'Why People Bully' is essential context to read together. A parent may seek this out after their child comes home crying because they were teased for a specific 'stim' or for missing a social cue, or after a teacher reports the child is being isolated during recess.
Younger children (7-10) will focus on the physical 'superpower' poses and simple phrases. Older children (11-15) will gain more from the psychological breakdown of social hierarchies and the nuances of masking vs. authenticity.
Unlike many bullying books that focus on 'telling an adult,' Lovegrove focuses on the child's internal power and psychological resilience, specifically tailored to the way autistic brains process social data.
This is a practical, non-fiction guidebook divided into accessible chapters. It explores the 'bully-target' dynamic through an autistic lens, offering strategies for body language, verbal responses, and emotional regulation. It breaks down the psychology of social interaction into concrete, actionable steps.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.