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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.

he hasn't done this in a long time. but last night he broke his phone.

December 21, 2025
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A MyAutismTeam Member

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/t...

https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/high-fu...

Common Causes
Sensory Overload: Sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, or smells overwhelms processing capacity.
Communication Barriers: Difficulty expressing feelings or understanding social cues/sarcasm.
Changes in Routine: Unexpected changes or transitions can be highly distressing.
Executive Functioning: Challenges with planning, organizing, or managing tasks.
Misunderstood Emotions: Intense emotional reactivity or struggling to identify internal states.
Feeling Misunderstood: Past experiences of judgment intensify reactions.
Signs of Rising Frustration
Pacing, rocking, or repetitive movements (stimming).
Vocalizations (e.g., humming, shouting).
Seeking reassurance.
Shutting down (shutdown) or escalating to an outburst (meltdown/rage).
Management & Support Strategies
Calm Approach: Speak in a neutral tone and maintain calm to model regulation.
Reduce Stimulation: Create a quiet, dim space; use sensory tools (fidgets, weighted blankets).
Identify Triggers: Pinpoint specific sensory inputs, routine changes, or demands.
Teach Emotional Literacy: Help identify emotions through physical feelings (e.g., "my tummy hurts").
Offer Alternatives: Redirect energy into calming activities like twisting a towel or trampoline jumping.
Proactive Problem-Solving: Address underlying skill deficits rather than focusing on the behavior (e.g., Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS)).
Establish Safe Spaces: Designate a calm, predictable spot for de-escalation

Understanding High-Functioning Autism Anger Issues
Understanding High-Functioning Autism Anger Issues
A guide for parents and carers
A guide for parents and carers
December 21, 2025
A MyAutismTeam Member

thanks

December 21, 2025
MyAutismTeam

Does your child break devices when frustrated and then feel upset about it afterward?

Yes, this happens with many kids on the spectrum. Frustration and sensory overload can lead to intense reactions, and breaking things in the moment is not uncommon. The fact that your child gets mad at himself afterward shows Show Full Answer

Does your child break devices when frustrated and then feel upset about it afterward?

Yes, this happens with many kids on the spectrum. Frustration and sensory overload can lead to intense reactions, and breaking things in the moment is not uncommon. The fact that your child gets mad at himself afterward shows self-awareness, which is actually a positive sign.

A MyAutismTeam member shared how their son scratches and bites his arm when stressed at school to the point of bleeding, showing how frustration can manifest physically. Another member described their child having meltdowns during appointments and other challenging situations.

These reactions often stem from:
• Sensory overload
• Difficulty communicating needs
• Feeling overwhelmed by emotions
• Heightened nervous system responses

It's encouraging that this hasn't happened in a long time - that suggests progress. When these incidents do occur, staying calm and helping your child work through the feelings afterward can be helpful. Some families find success with teaching alternative coping strategies during calmer moments, like taking breaks or using sensory tools when frustration builds.

December 21, 2025

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