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.
