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Aggressive 6yr old, issues at school 'playtimes'

ellasmum

Hello,

Our daughter is 6yrs old and we are currently awaiting assessment through our local CAMH's team. Our GP, family support worker (and us) feel she displays alot of AS/ADHD symptoms. school have had ongoing issues with her behaviour. In Yr R the issues were less serious, calling out in class, not being able to sit still, social and friendship issues. She hit Yr 1 and the problems REALLY increased. She struggles desperately with friendships and anything which changes her normal routine. She also has massive anxiety issues too.  

Over the last few weeks problems are 'peaking' and I have now had 2 letters from the head teacher about her behaviour. The most recent due to her physically assaulting boys at school....When she gets cross she cannot control herself and hits out. The most likely time for these occurences are in the playground, he behaviour during playtimes is impulsive and irratic! I know she cant be constantly monitored but I am concerned these issues are just going to get worse till we finally get a diagnosis and some help!

Her Teacher said that she feels she struggles with the 'lack of structure' during the playtime, but offered no suggestion as to how this can be helped!? she had had a supply teacher unexpectedly the day before which I feel possibly didnt help as its always unsettles her!

Any suggestions as to help with aggression and the playtime issues!? is this type of physical aggression common in Autism?

Michala x

  • Hi there.

    I think I've just started a new thread similar to yours, as my son is also aggressive at school when he's upset or gets angry. It's a real worry, because underneath he's a lovely, loving boy who is quite sensitive in his own way. But when he's been wound up he gets to the point where he can't take any more.

    I think play time is hard as it is unstructured. My son has the option of not going out with the others and reading a book in the head's office, which he quite often does and they are happy with this. This would be harder with a younger child I guess - or another quiet alternative would have to be an attractive option.

    What I am struggling with is how he can learn better self control - so that he can recognise the signs of him getting angry and ask for help, or do something instead of lashing out. So I don't have any answers, I'm afraid.

    All the best!

  • hi, sorry senco is Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator in schls in  England. Learning Support Teacher does this job in Scotland. Occupatioal Therapist also offer support seperate 2 senco. Hope that m akes sense.

  • Thanx for that post! So a sensory therapist is called a senco or occupupational therapist. a SALT usually uses SI to increase/decrease certain stimuli to optimize the speech language treatment.

     

    Indeed, kids (als grown ups actually) ought to be playing to learn, enjoying life!!

  • What about any outdoor games that can help give some structure i.e. soft tennis, marbles, swing ball, skittles or similar?

    Does she know who to go to if she is struggling? Are they visible and accessible?  They could help her develop some coping strategies for when she feels her anger welling up inside i.e. take 2 steps backwards (gives time to think) or go to the bench or squeeze the stress ball in your pocket etc.

    Occupational Therapist or Senco should be able to advise on these.

    Playground is the bain of our lives.

    Good luck

     

  • Hi there,

    I'm sorry to say that indeed aggressive behaviour can occur.. there are several causes. This should be carefully observed.. and can have a different cause each time, ie

    * Not being able to express what he/she wants (can be in reaction to someone else or wanting to make contact)

    * being pestered could be a cause..

    * One should actually look at the eyes of the child to see if that is a reflex to tactile or other stimuli and the child is overwhelmed/shocked by it also

    * Being smart enough to know outside is where all the overstimulation occurs, thus acting out.. and getting send inside.. where there is more quiet, less kids.. thus stimuli

    * .....

    Maybe a trainy can observe better for a week.. and write down what is actually happening before the problems are known to the teacher!

    Just thinking: Would it be allowed for her to stay indoors during playtime, chosing one different kid  (special friend) every time? And kids can voluntere, she won't be the only one who'd prefer to stay in maybe..

    Though.. she nééds movement!! She seeks stimuli.. Has she been seen by a Sensory therapist?! That would give a lot of on hands tactics to deal with such things!

    I notice what works well, eventhough known stubborness, sadness etc.. When open for communication again: Tell them what you observed (stay factual, don't interpret!!), what you've noticed and what you think happened and how you'd feel in such a situation.. and ask if that is correct..

    I hope this is of any help..

    Love, B'fly