Angry and antisocial 6-year old boy

trying to help six year old — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 20:32:59 GMT

My nephew is six and is exhibiting some disturbing behaviour. His parents are concerned and his mother (my sister) has asked my advice. From the moment he wakes up in the morning he is angry and defiant from when to get dressed, what to eat, etc. Whenever anyone speaks to him he scowls and looks away. I am a mother of two and a pre-school teacher and I have never seen a child experience less joy! We took him on various outings to the zoo, aquarium, beach, etc. and the only thing he did was stare at the ground, pick up pieces of trash and sticks and scowl whenever anyone pointed out things to him (touch the rays, see the belugas, etc.). He is also very uncoordinated, stumbling, walking in front of people and objects and just seems oblivious to his surroundings except to get angry about them! He has a four year old brother who he hits and pesters, especially in the car. He will be standing right in front of an adult and kick his brother and when questioned about it will say, "I didn't do it" or "It was an accident". While he was visiting our home, I witnessed him hitting our very gentle golden retriever while he thought no one was watching. When you are firm with him (e.g. holding his hand in a parking lot) he whines, hits, cries, twists his hand and basically defies any type of discipline. He is basically a smart kid, has learned to read, etc. but definately has had problems with authority in school, etc. Has anyone out there dealt with a similar situation? We are at a loss about how to help him.

RE: Angry and antisocial 6-year old boy

Brooke — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:28:49 GMT

Just Love Him. He is going to be the child that needs Unconditional Love. Trust me I know this. That is all he wants. Love Me when I am not perfect. That is what he is trying for. If you put him in therapy then you are saying that you can't love him the way he is. And he will act out worse

RE: Angry and antisocial 6-year old boy

justm — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:46:23 GMT

My neice was very similar to what you are describing and it was social anxiety that made her scowl. She was also very angry and hit and bit and just lashed out. We found out at a late age that she has Aspergers Disorder. Its not neccesarily autism, but its on the spectrum. Maybe you should have him tested. Its very managable if you treat it and she is a totally different child when she is on meds.

Here is a link with some information. http://www.aspergers.com/aspclin.htm

RE: Angry and antisocial 6-year old boy

adlcsw — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 03:46:39 GMT

Please talk with your sister about having your nephew evaluated or at least see a therapist. Love is not enough. Informed parenting can help. Find out what you are dealign with!