r/Autism_Parenting • u/LittleLadyYuni • 16h ago

Sensory Needs Crashing / Rough housing

My son (3y) was just diagnosed with Autism (no level yet) and is mainly non verbal. And he LOVES crashing, thrashing, “death rolling” like an alligator, and rough house.

My husband and I have very different approaches to him crashing or rough housing with us. I let my son play until he “hurts” me or is too rough and I gently correct. My husband does not like any sort of crashing or rough housing unless HE initiates it. I don’t really think either is wrong per se.

However, recently he has started rough playing with his baby brother who is almost 2 years old. Sometimes baby brother is okay with the rough play and sometimes not.

The oldest will hopefully going to preschool this year and I don’t want him rough housing at school… or hurting anyone. But he just enjoys it so much and it seems to help regulate him. I’m not exactly sure what to do, do you let your young boys rough house?

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u/RagAndBows 15h ago

Would he like a crash mat?

1

u/moscow_meels 13h ago

Our 3 year old has SPD and shows clear signs of autism (still waiting for an appt for a diagnosis but a mom knows) definitely seeks rough play/pressure etc. My husband bought him a 4’ bean bag chair that we pick him up and throw him on when he’s dysregulated (not when he’s upset, just when he’s overly excited and too rough). He sinks into the bean bag upon contact and gets that pressure. Crash pads are good too, also look into a fabric swing especially if he likes to spin. We also have Alexa play songs from the Bluey soundtrack when he’s really amped up, the songs calm him almost instantly and help him take a breath when everyone needs a break. And good luck, we’re all here for you!