THE Globe piece on the bullying of autistic youngsters should not be a shock.
Over the years, surveys by Mind and Mencap have repeatedly showed that 80 - 90% of mentally disordered people have suffered serial verbal and physical abuse in the community.
What is more shocking is the extent to which such people are neglected and abused by state agencies.
A few years ago the Children’s Commissioner found that the prevalence of mentally disordered youngsters among so-called “young offenders” is much higher than the prevalence of mental disorders in the population.
Specifically, the prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders is 16.6 times higher.
The prevalence of communication disorders is 12.5 time higher. The prevalence of dyslexia is 5 X higher.
These youngsters are eight times more likely to be bullied than normal people but if they “kick back” in disputes they are unable to explain themselves to the authorities and often take the blame.
They are very exposed but unable to defend themselves verbally.
The legal deck is stacked against them. Even more shocking: when such people enter the criminal justice system they serve longer sentences for the same “crimes” and are nine times more likely to die in custody than normal prisoners.
Now that is shocking and shameful.
Professor D P Gregg (retired), Spital
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