Ka-Pow!

We've been dealing with a new behavior from Jacob over the past few weeks. Punching. Sigh.

It started with him hitting Natalie when she was getting on his nerves (I think that most brothers would have responded similarly...she can be a bit...overwhelming...and lately has been trying to push his buttons). He also was occasionally hitting Charlie with an open hand...not in anger, but I think he just liked the way it felt. And then there was the hitting when he seemed to be in pain or major discomfort...usually his fist would just pop out in front of him and he'd hit three times on whatever was in the way...a person, the wall, etc. One time he was at school in the library and punched the girl sitting in front of him (in the back of the head), whom he was having no interaction with.

This week he punched one little girl 5 times in the torso (again, no interaction with her, just jumped up during circle time and hit her). Then on another day he hit a boy 3 times and then later in the day his IA saw him pull his hand up to hit that same boy...she managed to grab his arm before he could carry it out, but then he threw his head back and whacked her, and went into full meltdown. He has been hitting Natalie or pulling her hair, and also hitting Charlie more. He also has been hitting IAs and me when blocked from a behavior...usually something like itching his leg or a behavior that helps him cope but is inappropriate.

Not sure where this is all coming from, but I am hoping we can get it under control shortly. I'm a little worried that the kids will start staying away from him at school (since he is doing it not when they are fighting or he seems angry, but just out of the blue), and Natalie is starting to be very fearful of him at times. He is a strong guy!