April marks National Autism Awareness Month and to help shed light on the experiences of children with autism in the classroom, the Saint Louis University (SLU) – Sunflower Pedagogical and Developmental Center (PDC) hosted a meaningful event on 26 April 2025, at the SLU Talged Center.
The Parenting Pathway workshop, entitled: “Safe, Seen, and Supported: Combating Bullying and Advocating for Special Needs in School,” brought together a diverse group of parents, teachers, and caregivers to discuss the critical issue of bullying and how it disproportionately affects children and teens with special needs, including those with autism.
Bullying is a pervasive issue among young people, and its impact can be particularly severe for children with autism and other special needs. Without proper intervention, the effects of bullying can have lasting consequences, affecting a child’s emotional well-being and overall development.
The event was designed to help participants recognize the warning signs of bullying and cyberbullying, provide effective strategies for communicating with schools, and highlight the importance of advocating for children with special needs in educational settings.
The session’s resource speaker was the Head of the Department of Psychology, School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts, Ms. Ylona Veronica Bayod. As a practicing psychologist and psychometrician and distinguished faculty member, her insights from 20 years of experience provided impactful knowledge on the topic.
The event was a powerful reminder that every child, regardless of their abilities, deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported in the classroom. With the right knowledge and resources, parents and educators can create a more inclusive and compassionate environment where all children can thrive. (Writer: Ms. Lauren Weber, Peace Corps Volunteer)
