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Anti-social behavior in 8 year old
lmconrad2 May 30, 2012
Our son has really become out of control both at home and school. He will not listen to direction, fails to do what he's asked or participate at all sometimes. He has thrown things, ignored orders to stop the behavior, crawled on the floor and hits or shoves others. There seem to be several children with similar behavior in class. He has spent several days sitting in the office and was finally suspended for a day last week. We spoke to principal about speaking with school counselor but still no action. Any suggestions before this child is so out of control he's in serious trouble or harms himself or someone else?
MagnetMom May 31, 2012
Hi lmconrad2,
Attempt to speak with the principal again. If there is no response, go higher--go speak to the superintendent or your school board member until there is some response.
In the meantime, at his next scheduled pediatric appointment (or call and make a special one) tell the doctor what you are seeing and ask what he can rule out, and how you can receive a referral to a specialist.
It's phenomenal that you are actively advocating for your son, and it's terribly frustrating when the school doesn't acknowledge a problem. But keep at it on multiple fronts and get to the bottom of it while he's still little.78703
RdgTeacher June 7, 2012
Most schools have a "Student Success Team" or "Student Study Team" that meets with the parents of students that are struggling academically or behaviorally. The team includes the teacher, Principal, school nurse, school psychologist, and/or any other staff that might be necessary to address the needs of the student. Write a letter to your Principal requesting a meeting about your child. Make sure you put your request in writing. List your concerns in your letter. Be frank during the meeting about what is going on and what help you would like from the school district. Most SSTs will be more than willing to give you suggestions about possible interventions or resources. Make sure you document all of your attempts to get help from the school and give that documentation to the Superintendent of your school district if your Principal doesn't follow through for you.78830
TeacherParent June 9, 2012
What kind of a class is your son in? If in a regular classroom, it would be unusual for there to be several children with such strong behaviors. Have you observed in his classroom? It would be very difficult for any one teacher to properly control a classroom with several children who are given to hitting and shoving.
Even if that isn't so, suspending a child for a day accomplishes nothing. A child given to such strong behaviors as hitting and shoving and generally ignoring adults is not going to be able to stop doing those things because he has been suspended for a day. Such behaviors usually stem from deep inside a child - either he is very angry or sometimes there can be organic disturbances such as ADHD within the child.
I'd suggest talking with your family doctor or pediatrician for their insight as well as putting a request - in writing - to the principal for testing. Your son should be tested by the school psychologist to determine if there are underlying learning differences. That can sometimes cause a child to evidence strong behaviors such as you describe. Once you've requested testing in writing, the school must respond to you and begin the IEP process.
You have legal rights - know your rights.
Google 'educational rights' and "procuring an IEP'. 78859
woodworker08 June 10, 2012
One thing I might suggest is the use of an AVE machine, made by David Delight. Just type in " AVE device by David Delight", and you can read about it. We have 4 adopted children with all the same behaviors, It really does make a difference, and you have from 23-25 different programs to choose.
There is another company that makes a similar device. It is made by Sirius Company, and called the " Light and Sound Machine". We own both brands, and both are very much alike in calming our 4 children. The kids are ages 6-8-10- and 12, all siblings. There are programs for meditation, sleep, energizing, and whatever is needed. We choose whatever program we feel is needed for their mood. After choosing a particular program, stick to it every day, so there is a definite, constant routine. With kids, change is not good, so things have to be structured and constant.
Good luck. Feel free to e-mail with any questions, to: woodworker08@gmail.com
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