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That sounds really hard — please be kind to yourself. Supermarkets are genuinely one of the most difficult environments for autistic children: bright fluorescent lights, unpredictable noise, strong smells, and no way to predict how long it will last. Your son wasn't 'misbehaving' — he was overwhelmed.

A few things that often help for next time:

**Before you go:** Try a visual schedule — even a simple photo sequence on your phone showing 'trolley → shopping → checkout → car → home' can help him prepare. Set a concrete endpoint ('we're getting 5 things').

**While you're there:** Bring sensory tools — noise-cancelling headphones, a chew toy, or a weighted lap pad for the trolley. Let him hold something familiar.

**If it escalates:** Find the quietest exit and leave. A full shop isn't worth a full meltdown. Grocery delivery is a genuinely good autism accommodation.

How old is he, and does he have any particular sensory triggers you've noticed?

At 7, noise-cancelling headphones can make a huge difference — brands like Loop or Puro Sound make child-sized ones. For the lights, sunglasses (even indoors) are completely valid and some kids find tinted lenses genuinely help.

Some supermarkets also run 'quiet hours' — reduced lighting, no music, tannoy switched off. It's worth checking your local store's schedule, as these are specifically designed for neurodivergent shoppers.

You're already doing the right thing by trying to understand his triggers rather than just managing his behaviour. That awareness matters enormously.