Forum hears impact of bullying on disabled child

A mother broke down at a national disability forum this week after sharing how her 10-year-old autistic daughter had been bullied by classmates, community members and even relatives.

As a result, the child is now too afraid to leave the house.

Litia Raiwalui told the National Stakeholders Dialogue on Supporting Children with Disabilities in Fiji on Wednesday that her daughter had been called derogatory names in public and once came home asking what the words meant.

“As we speak today, her only confinement area is home,” Ms Raiwalui said. “Going to school, she still can’t fit in.”

She said despite receiving professional counselling herself, she struggled to change the attitudes of those around her daughter.

“I am counselled by professionals, but still I can’t psycho-educate my relatives, my friends,” she said.

Her testimony drew an emotional response, with Frank Hilton Organisation chief executive Sureni Perera saying it reflected the reality faced by many families across Fiji.

“I’m judged as a parent on the bus because my child cannot sit still and becomes overwhelmed,” Ms Perera said, relaying the experiences of families who come to the organisation for help.

She called for stronger community awareness and greater support for parents to help shift attitudes.

Fiji Disabled Persons Federation office manager Seinimilia Seru said attitudes, not access, remained the biggest barrier facing children with disabilities in Fiji.

“Mindsets can only be changed if we talk about it. It’s been too long that our cultures and traditions have stopped us from discussing these sensitive issues,” Ms Seru said.

She said children with and without disabilities should grow up together, as shared experiences were key to breaking down stigma.