Screen time rage

[Daffydilys]

I have an 8 year old high functioning autistic son. When his screen time finishes on his kids’ iPad (he only is allowed 30 mins per day) he rages - extremely violent and aggressive and frankly dangerous with punching, biting, kicking, scratching, screaming, slapping. Nothing else triggers him like it and 99% of the rest of the time he is very regulated.

Can anyone else relate to this and offer up suggestions as to how to support him and me please? His specialist school have provided social stories and are aware.

After a very challenging day I’m minded to just say that’s it, never having the iPad back, but I don’t know if that’s the best way forward in the long term.

Thanks!

[TomeTome]

Ultimately if it can’t be avoided I’d stop the iPad altogether. I think I’d try moving towards something better first though.

[UniversalTruth]

We have similar in our 8yo.

We allow game time anyway because it's the only thing he can be bribed with, so it's useful. Some ways we try to manage the anger at coming off the game time:

• visual timer
• we acknowledge that his behaviour deteriorates after so we don't allow if we're having a difficult day as we can't allow behaviour to go further down
• we try to move him to something like TV as a stepdown activity before coming off screens
• support rather than punish a meltdown after screentime

[TomeTome]

Sorry I suddenly realise that wasn’t very well explained. When I say “moving towards something better”. I mean the next activity is something highly desirable. So maybe he gets screen time while you tidy up after the meal, then dessert when the tables all clear and then bath. That way there’s lots positive to do rather than just a negative drop in enjoyment.

[Daffydilys]

Thanks @UniversalTruth and @TomeTome they are good tips. I totally get the bribery one!

Gosh it’s exhausting though isn’t it? 😬

[cansu]

Is there a reason why he only has 30 mins? My dd uses her tech to regulate and reassure. She has access whenever she needs to. She doesn't have access at school and she doesn't have it in her room at night.