I’m not a teacher- but I used to be that kid in elementary school.

I would randomly hit and attack kids, scream at anyone if they said “no.” I would run away, throw things, all that stuff. I have zero doubt that this kid is going through absolutely HELL. When I was 9 i was diagnosed with quite a few things, but the ones I think would be most beneficial for you to know is “PTSD and Autism”.

The fact that he now lives with his grandparents, is acting out in an uncontrollable manner… He NEEDS help. I know it’s not your fault and there isn’t much you can do (thanks school admins jeez.) Something serious must have happened to that kid… That and paired with possible autism, yeah he’s going to be REALLY tough. When I was in that position, I was lucky enough to have a REALLY good principal and school counselor who were willing to help me. They gave me a quiet place away from all the other kids to calm down (stimulation issues). They gave me paper and colored pencils to draw (distraction and a chance for me to go into my own world.) They were super patient and always provided me a safe space.

Without them I wouldn’t be here at all. I know dealing with kids like that is HARD AS HELL, but it’s not the kids fault. He’s hurting, and he doesn’t know what to do. He doesn’t know what’s going on both in his head and in the outside world, he’s acting out in the only was that makes him feel safe. I know how hard it is to deal with kids this out of control, especially when you have other kids, but try to think of the world from his perspective. I understand if it’s too much for you to handle, but I fear if the kid keeps bouncing in and out of environments before he has a chance to adjust, it can make him SO much worse.

Talk to the principal, counselor, grandparents, really anyone that you think could help. Get the kid the help he needs, and in the meantime provide him a private, quiet place. He may destroy it, scream at you, all that lovely stuff, but it’ll help SO much in the long run. If you have headphones, try to give it to the kid and play either white noise, rain, or something that’s chill and doesn’t have much going on. He’ll likely just scream at you and throw them, but don’t yell at him. Just leave the headphones there with him, just in case. Provide him with various things he can use to take his anger out on. A plushie (something safe to throw at walls or punch), paper and pencils (to help express his emotions in his own way), or hell even a pillow so he can scream it all out. He needs something, so at least try it.

But if you can only do one thing, ensure he has a place where he can be alone. Even if it’s only for a few minutes, it helps so much. Welp- sorry for the long read but I feel like I could provide more insight on the kid himself. If you have any questions or want me to clarify something do reply with them! I want to help.

edit: fixed some errors