If your young child is being bullied at school, focus first on safety and emotional support, then move in a calm, documented way up the school chain of command, and escalate outside the school only if the bullying continues or involves threats, serious harm, or discrimination
Executive Summary
Individuals with ADHD face disproportionate bullying, with research indicating they experience peer victimization at rates two to three times higher than neurotypical peers. Bullies often exploit visible ADHD traits—impulsivity, intense focus, or social timing differences—mistaking neurological differences for vulnerabilities. This guide provides five evidence-informed strategies to navigate bullying while protecting self-esteem, building supportive networks, and knowing when to escalate. The most critical insight: ADHD traits that attract negative attention are often the same characteristics that fuel creativity, empathy, and innovative thinking.