Child keeps breaking furniture

[Autismmum2too2]

I have an autistic child who is constantly breaking furniture. It isn’t intentional as he’s just also got a learning disability so in our house he is comfortable and runs and jumps on furniture. It’s really one of the few things he enjoys in life and it relaxes him. Unfortunately as he gets larger and it seems the quality of furniture is not as good anymore a lot gets broken. We just got ikea bench storage toy boxes and one has cracked right through. I thought as they carry quite a bit of weight it would be fine. Does anyone know anything stronger or can you reinforce these sorts of things? He is 6 at the moment and would like to get something that may last longer than a couple of months.

Ideally you need to provide an alternative for climbing and jumping rather than stronger furniture.
Does he have a trampoline outdoors or a small indoor one with a rail? He is probably seeking sensory input. A swing or one of the flat round swings would be good if you have room.

If he attends special school ask for help and support to discourage him from jumping on furniture as it’s unlikely he does it at school.
What is his level of understanding or would he respond to a Stop symbol or signing?

I know you have said he’s comfortable at home but you wouldn’t want him doing this when you are out and about or when he’s 16 and much bigger and stronger.

Has DS had an OT assessment, including a sensory OT assessment and a home OT assessment?

As well as the sensory equipment mentioned by the pp, you could look at an exercise ball and peanut ball, some like bouncing on them. You can also get trampoline/bounce boards.

Solid wood furniture would be stronger.

thanks for replying. He goes to additional needs school and they are quite happy with him climbing on their furniture. It’s solid as they say. Maybe I should find out their supplier 😂. We are continually in contact with OT with issues around head banging which causes a huge amount of distress. It does sound awful we let him climb on furniture, but I guess the other issues we have it doesn’t seem as bad. It is an issue though and we have faced a lot of other issues as we don’t want him to do it when he’s older. I would maybe like to put off focusing on it for now. He does enjoy his indoor trampoline. We also have an exercise ball and regularly take him to air thrill and the park

I know it must be really tough. Not judging and parents are the experts on their own child.
I know you need to prioritise when there are lots of difficulties.
Sounds like you have lots of sensory activities in place.
I was going to say he might like the breaking of the furniture, cause and effect etc. Maybe not if the furniture is sturdy at school and he still does it. Would he jump on big boxes?
I’m glad you have specialist staff to support you.

Does the OT input cover sensory integration OT? Not all do and it would be helpful in your case.

If the furniture as school would work, no harm in asking.

Would DS like a plyometric box intended for gym use?