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Assessment of Bullying in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review of Methodologies and Participant Characteristics

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Abstract

The growing body of literature on bullying in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suggests individuals with ASD are bullied more frequently than their non-ASD peers. However, there is no gold standard assessment tool for bullying in ASD, and the use of differing methodologies generates varying prevalence estimates. This systematic review evaluates the assessment methods for bullying in ASD and summarizes the participant characteristics in this literature. None of the identified measures meet literature recommendations for bullying assessment in ASD. Additionally, there is a need for increased sample diversity regarding the gender, race, and cognitive ability of ASD participants. Recommendations for researchers and practitioners are discussed, including the need for a gold standard assessment tool and consistency in the operationalization of bullying.

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Morton, H.E. Assessment of Bullying in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review of Methodologies and Participant Characteristics. Rev J Autism Dev Disord 8, 482–497 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-020-00232-9

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