That's the problem: In almost any context, if you're an asshole to an asshole, it seems justified. People with autism are more or less by definition assholes. It's not their fault and I would never blame them for it, but it's objectively true. Children of course do not understand the concept of autism, so they experience some sort of sense of justification for their behavior. It's kind of like when we see a bully bullying a bully - we do not mind it and in fact we welcome it. Because we see it as justified. That's the problem I think.

And I am not just referring to their patent lack of social skills. Of course, persons with autism may be targeted for being "different" regarding their behavior and lack of social competencies, such as their withdrawn nature and preference for spending time alone. But with autism and bullying, this isn't just a simple case of "pick on the kid who is different."

In addition to the aforementioned "tattling," autistic persons are very self-centered and lack empathy. They often see and treat people as objects. They can be aggressive, impulsive, and irritable, and can act up with intense tantrums and outbursts if they do not get their way. In many ways, people with autism are bullies. So if you didn't know about autism, you'd just think an autistic person were an asshole, and you would treat him as such. That's the problem with children - we can tell them about autism, but even throughout high school they can't really understand the concept. The autistic kid is just "the asshole."