Is it common for kids with chronic illnesses to be bullied?

If your child has a chronic condition, there’s a chance that he’ll be teased, mocked, or otherwise harassed by schoolyard peers (yes, children are still mean, despite all the “zero tolerance on teasing” programs that schools have launched in the last decade). He’ll probably face aggressive behavior from bullies because he is “different”, unless “different” includes being a foot taller than his peers and a lot stronger. Remember that bullying can take many forms: name calling, ridiculing, being excluded from activities, and thanks, technology, having cruel text messages or e‑mails sent around about his condition. Of course, uncreative bullies still hit, kick, shove, and steal lunch money. Obviously, children with conditions that affect their appearance (such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or Down syndrome) are more likely to be victimized and called names. This can make these kids depressed, lonely, and anxious; ruin their self-confidence; trigger headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, and eating disorders; and make them hate school.

From The Smart Parent's Guide: Getting Your Kids Through Checkups, Illnesses, and Accidents by Jennifer Trachtenberg.

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