3 1/2 yr. old constantly mimics other kids

My son is driving the other kids crazy at his new school. He's been there 2 weeks and teacher is concerned because he displayed what she thinks is behavior relevant for a 1 1/2 year old. He copies the other kids and chases them around so that they don't want to play with him and consider him an annoyance. He also follows bad behavior of other kids or tries things he's not ready for like tree-climbing, just to copy. I feel bad for him because he already seems to be pegged as the playground leper! He's usually reduced to playing somewhere by himself. I think it's because he's never been in regular social situations (no previous daycare setting) with other kids other than temporary meetings at parks or with friend's kids.

He is very smart and articulate but teacher is also concerned because he says he can't find the bathroom after 2 weeks. I think he's just scared to go alone. She also thinks he lacks assertiveness.

Am I trying to rationalize potential problems or does teacher have valid points? And, might it be a little early to pass judgment considering he's only been there a little over 2 weeks now?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Nancy,

Both you and the teacher have valid points. Yes, his behavior must be annoying to his peers, but he is relatively untutored in such situations and will need to learn. Hopefully his teacher will be patient and understanding, not critical. This is a learning process, and your son will learn via experience how to socialize. He needs both time and support.

[noshanil]

A related discussion, Copying other kids was started.