Worry I'm being sensitive? Autistic DD

[DD7Superstar]

DD is 7 and is autistic and has adhd. Her social understanding is poor, of a toddler level and her emotional regulation is similar. She has a few really odd behaviours.

I've noticed a few times some older girls at her school continually encouraging her to do these odd behaviours and then laughing at her expense. She feeds off their laughing and doesn't understand why them laughing at her isn't necessarily a good thing. They are things that would be funny to primary aged kids, so I do feel they are more focused on the funny aspect rather than being mean but it's definitely laughing at her, particularly when they give the glances to each other before encouraging again.

It just makes me feel uncomfortable and I'm not sure if IABU to feel this way?

You’re not being sensitive. They’re laughing at her, not with her and although you say they’re not being mean, they’re not being nice.

I’d mention it to the teacher and let them have a word.

YANBU. It's laughing at someone, not with someone. I'd be having a word with the teacher.

Have you approached it with the school? It could be quite innocent but it’s still something the teachers could address with these kids. If I was stood watching this with my child though as you are I’d say something personally, doesn’t have to be confrontational just something like ‘that’s enough now girls’, it may bring their attention to the fact it’s not quite right what they are doing.

No o that's awful definitely let the school know.
It's so hard because sometimes you don't want people i'e small children to know because it could lead too more issue's.

Thank you, I've been stewing on it doubting myself. It definitely to me felt like it had crossed a line, I'm quite understanding of kids laughing when she does something unintentionally funny but adding in the encouragement to do it is the bit that changes it?

I do remove her from the situation where possible, I think I'm largely worried it's happening in school too and not being spotted.

Speak the the school about it, it’s awful behaviour and very unfair on your DD.

I am so sorry that sounds heartbreaking.

I would absolutely approach the school and want them dealt with. Is this at pick up when your daughter is with you? I would stick to her and I would think they wouldn't be so cruel in front of you.

I asked school and got a "thanks for letting us know we will monitor". Feel a bit deflated that I'm none the wiser!

That's not on at all. I'd definitely be following it up with the class teacher and making a nuisance until I had some proper confirmation of what they are doing to address this. It's bullying, even at 7yo.

The class/year/school could have assemblies etc on hidden differences/disabilities - my ds's primary did this even for this age group. And class teachers could be doing things like eg carpet time talks on behaviour to each other.

Does she have an EHCP? Or are you applying for one?