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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
New York, NY

Does anyone have a child that started being aggressive at the onset of puberty? At what age did the aggressive behavior stop?

October 6, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members openly shared their experiences navigating aggression and behavioral challenges during puberty in children with autism, with many... Read more

Members openly shared their experiences navigating aggression and behavioral challenges during puberty in children with autism, with many describing intense meltdowns, physical aggression, and emotional outbursts that typically began between ages 9 and 15. Several members found that aggressive behaviors often fluctuated with hormone levels, improved gradually over time (sometimes taking years), and responded to interventions like ABA therapy, medication adjustments, and hospitalization when necessary. A recurring theme was the importance of patience, self-care for caregivers, and the reassurance that while these challenging years can feel overwhelming and isolating, many families saw gradual improvement as their children moved through adolescence.

A MyAutismTeam Member

@A MyAutismTeam Member and @A MyAutismTeam Member.. so I have lots of experience here... my sweet innocent boy def becomes the Incredible Hulk at times...
Matthew's aggression started out of frustration i sense when he was 9. By the time puberty hit meltdowns were several per day... I did much research on this including reading an entire book on the subject...seminars, webinars, and visited countless "experts" in ABA field.... most agree it seems to be definitely medical and then hormones like @A MyAutismTeam Member mentioned also my son shows remorse after wards.. he will cry and cry and look at the damage he has done 9 either to himself or others)
Today he is just turned 16 in august and after several medications looks like Thorazine is working... meltdowns are like 1-2 a month now .. less frequent but more intense and last about 45 minutes.... we still have medical issues which is a primary cause.
So I would agree that puberty and hormones kick it into high gear !

October 10, 2017
A MyAutismTeam Member

My son just turned 9 and he's definitely going through a difficult phase. A woman with an older child told me from about 9-16 were difficult times. That scared me a lot. I thought I would pass that along even though it's not the best news!

October 9, 2017
A MyAutismTeam Member

Mine is 15 aggression started 2 years ago, we are still battling this seems to get better then come around again, I think escalates with hormone levels. So hard my daughter has been hospitalized once for this. So so hard. Hope things get better for you.

October 6, 2017
A MyAutismTeam Member

good luck to you all... our aggression is still an issue at 16... just less frequent

October 30, 2017
A MyAutismTeam Member

I'm in the same boat & wonders the same thing.

October 28, 2017

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