If you have an autistic child who keeps breaking things then this is the article for you.

Below we dive into reasons behind the behaviour and give you tips on how to stop it.

Autism And Breaking Things

As a parent, it can be incredibly challenging to witness your autistic child repeatedly breaking things around the house.

The frustration and confusion can be overwhelming, leaving you wondering why this behaviour is happening and what you can do to help.

It’s important to remember that your child’s actions are not intended to cause trouble, but likely are a way for them trying to cope with their condition.

In this article, we’ll explore some reasons behind this behaviour and offer strategies to create a more harmonious environment at home.

Input Overload

For many autistic kids, the sensory world can be overwhelming.

The world is full of bright lights, loud noises, and unfamiliar textures that can lead to sensory overload.

When your child breaks things, it might be their way of seeking control over their environment or reducing the sensory stimulation that’s causing them discomfort.

It could also be them looking for some sort of an instant distraction from external bombardment.

Communicative factors

Autistic children often face challenges in expressing their needs and emotions verbally.

Breaking things might be their way of non-verbally communicating their frustration, anger, or even excitement.

By doing so, they may be trying to get your attention and convey that something is bothering them.

It is sometimes helpful to try and put ourselves in our children’s shoes for a second.

Imagine how frustrating life would be if you couldn’t ask for something or understand what was being asked of you.

No, smashing things is not appropriate behaviour but just out of frustration alone it is understandable.

Repetitive behaviour

Many autistic children engage in repetitive behaviours, as a way to self-regulate and cope with stress.

This can involve activities like hand-flapping, rocking, or, in some cases, breaking objects.

These actions provide comfort and predictability in an otherwise chaotic world.

An autistic child breaking things at home could have therefore morphed into a repetitive behaviour.

They could have achieved the desired reaction or enjoyed the sensory feedback of the smash.

How to stop an autistic child who keeps breaking things?

Every autistic child is an individual with their own needs, capabilities and challenges.

With that said however there are some tactics you can try to get them to stop this behaviour.

Watch and learn

Try to identify triggers for your child’s destructive behaviour. Note what they were doing immediately before and try to pinpoint the frustrations.

It could be for example that they were trying to watch something on a phone but they locked the screen.

Or it could be that they were hungry or thirsty but couldn’t explain their needs.

Whatever the catalysts you will need to go through a period of observation with your child.

Create a calming environment

Designate a quiet and soothing space where your child can retreat when feeling overwhelmed.

This space could include sensory-friendly toys, weighted blankets, and dim lighting to help them decompress.

Parents have had success with having an indoor tent for their child to go and relax in when feeling overwhelmed.

Teach coping mechanisms

Encourage your child to engage in alternative ways of coping with stress.

This might involve introducing activities like drawing, squeezing stress balls, or engaging in deep breathing exercises.

Trampolines are a popular option for children who need to burn off some tension.

Find ways to communicate

Work with therapists and teachers to develop communication tools that your child can use to express their feelings and needs.

These could include picture boards, sign language, or assistive technology devices.

Frustration is a likely aspect of your child’s destructive behaviour so if you can ease some of that with communication tools you may see improvements.

Set clear boundaries

It is a fine line between understanding their reasons for the behaviour and not idly standing by.

Gently redirect your child towards more appropriate activities and praise them when they make positive choices.

Depending on your child’s levels of communication you could use emotion cards to express you are angry with them.

Bring in the experts

Reach out to behavioural therapists, occupational therapists, or counselors who specialise in working with autistic children.

They can provide valuable insights and guidance tailored to your child’s specific needs.

Summary – Autistic child keeps breaking things?

It’s essential to approach your child’s behaviour with patience, empathy, and understanding.

By acknowledging the underlying reasons behind their actions, you can work together to find healthier ways for them to express themselves and manage their emotions.

Building a supportive environment that embraces your child’s uniqueness can make a world of difference.

Having distractions and other sensory outlets may well lead to drastic improvements in their behaviour.

Good luck