Some kids with learning disabilities will go to great lengths not to call attention to themselves. They will suffer an unbelievable amount of abuse in silence. And this abuse is not always just meted out by other children, some bullies have grown up to become school teachers and school administrators.

My son never complained about bullies. When questioned he insisted everything was fine. I could clearly see that everything was not always fine.

So I stopped asking my son.

It is really not all that difficult to get to the truth of the matter when bullying by other children or even by other adults is occurring. Do not ask your child what is going on … ask their peers. Ask other children in your child`s classroom, on their bus or on the playground what is going on and then discuss your findings with other parents. Act forcefully on the information.

While my son would not talk about any bullying that was done to him he would talk about other children being bullied and I would pass along the information to the parents concerned. By talking to several children and comparing notes with other parents I was able to get an accurate report on the issues that needed attention.

Although I am greatly saddened by Jeremiah’s story it does not surprise me in the least. Perhaps those officials should have read through some anti-bullying material themselves, when you are aware of bully behavior and do nothing to stop it, you are a party to it. While the officials could never have entirely put a stop to ugly snide comments made by bullies they most certainly should have put a stop to food being thrown in Jermeiah’s face and other such blatant cruelty.

By refusing to defend that young man they have implied that he deserved to be bullied. Those “professionals” who were entrusted with Jeremiah`s care should be held accountable.