@Asston I'm old school. Most bullies are overcompensating, testing the limits. They've got to be challenged, draw a line, let them know they are taking up too much space and they've got to take a step back and leave room for others. I've actually made life-long friends that way. This is general, of course, YMMV.
@Asston I was 13, and the new kid in a new school. One guy decided to pick on me. One day, I'd had enough, and when he pushed me, I pushed him back. He was so shocked, he ran away. Never hassled me again. But that was...a long time ago, things were different.
These days, I might suggest you talk with some of your pals and ask how they deal with that crowd. Or talk to a teacher. Avoiding conflict is the better path, as much as is possible.
@Asston The world can be cruel. We all have to fight. Women have to fight in a man's world. Disabled people have to fight in an ableist world. I'm Black, fighting in a white world. My significant other is Indigenous, having to fight in a colonized world. Regular people have to fight in a world dominated by billionaires and millionaires. So don't worry about being autistic; if you weren't, life would just find some other reason to be tough on you. Just find those who'll fight with/beside/for you!
@Asston Likewise. You're not alone. Looking forward to keeping in touch :-)