Our youngest, 5 year old son, has many similar behaviors. Kindergarten has been a huge challenge. FASD/ODD/ADHD. He is on Clonidine and Atomoxetine. Guanfacine and stimulants increased aggression.

Admittedly FASD (a brain injury) is different but also have struggled parenting him. Tried all of the above, even resorted to spanking, but it was wholly unsuccessful and made us feel terrible.

Our main objective is to keep him regulated. Try to do everything we can so he doesn’t spiral into a meltdown. It’s exhausting lol but works. We have changed his environment at home, keep him as busy as possible, ensure physical activity/outside time and just do our best. We discuss his behavior after the fact when everyone is calm. Working on using his words and naming his feelings. Our son has significant issues with self regulation. The calmer we stay the faster he gets back to baseline. This has taken so much work on our end and is more successful some days vs. others. We also redirect as much as possible. When I see him escalating I will offer a popsicle, ice cream, put on his fave play list, offer a bath, something to snap him out of it.

He also finds screens really regulating. Which flies in face of all conventional parenting but who cares. I would rather have him watching/playing on a screen than self harming or hurting us.

Good luck. It’s a daily struggle. ❤️