The story is becoming all too common, but every time it’s told, it represents another young life senselessly lost. Last Friday, 16-year-old Kennedy LeRoy took his own life after suffering ongoing bullying from another male student at Ayala High School, according to NBC Los Angeles.
Kennedy had Asperger’s syndrome and also suffered from depression. In the video above, his parents shared the letter he left behind with the hope that his desire to help others is fulfilled through it:
“Maybe my death will make people realize that words can hurt as much as, if not more than, physical blows,” the note said.
Just weeks ago, another parent went public following the suicide of her bullied son. Like the LeRoys, Amy Briggs hopes the story of her son Daniel’s suicide will spark change.
IJReview reached out to Mark Hutten, M.A., who is a Counseling Psychologist, Home-Based Family Therapist and Online Parent Coach. He has created an online site, My Asperger’s Child, for parents of children with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome.
There he gives tips to parents of teens with Asperger’s who are being bullied. A few of the highlights include:
- Ensure you have plenty of quality time with your teen and he or she feels comfortable coming to you with problems.
- Set the example of how to handle difficult situations without blame and hostility.
- If your teen is being bullied, take immediate action, ensuring your teen understands he or she is not to blame. Note all the details of what is happening. If it is happening at school, find out the school’s policy and take action. Sometimes legal action must be taken in order to protect your teen and others.
According to Hutten, some signs that your teen may be experiencing bullying include trouble at school (suspensions, detention) and drug and alcohol abuse. Teens who are bullied are also at higher risk for suicide.
