He sounds like a combination of my two boys, who are 10 and 7. My older son was diagnosed in 1st grade, after his kindergarten teacher expressed concerns that he wasn't interacting with other kids. He is mostly an avoider. He would sometimes react to unexpected light touch by hitting that person. He sometimes wrecks other people's things--it seems like he wants to see what would happen and what it would feel like. He received OT in school in 1st and 2nd grades, and private OT over the summer between 1st and 2nd. He also received help from the school social worker 1-2 times a week from Kindy to 4th grade.

Ages 5-6-7-8 (through the end of 2nd grade) were hard--frustrating and stressful. It was in 3rd grade that things finally got better. He started sleeping better, he was having more positive social interactions, his maturity level was starting to catch up with his peers.

My younger son was just evaluated on the 13th (his 7th bday). We dont have the written eval yet. The OT suggested that we try brushing with him. We start next week with OT for him. We did joint compressions with my older son, but never brushing. So we'll see how it goes.

My younger son was a biter. I had almost forgotten that until I read your post. As a baby, he was a strong sucker, breastfeeding and on a pacifier. He had a pacifier from day 1 because of his need to suck. He still likes to lick and suck on his fingers. He bit a few kids and the caregiver at daycare when he was 12-15 months. Luckily not enough to kick him out. He is a seeker for most things. Always jumping, climbing, crashing, spinning. He seems to be regressing socially lately. Used to make friends easily, but lately he tells me that he plays alone at recess.

It won't help overnight. It takes time. It's two steps forward, one step back. My older son thrives with routine and structure, so I try hard to provide that at home. That reduces the meltdowns. Try to learn his triggers and how to avoid them.

This post is reminding me that I have more paperwork to fill out for OT next week!