4 year old not making contact

My 4 year old daughter is having problems in preschool.  Most of the problems seem to be stemming from her inability/unwillingness to make contact with teachers or other children.  My daughter has always been a child who can play for long periods on her own and  has never been a "joiner" for instance she never joined story or circle time at daycare and she usuallly, even with her friends does not really interact that much with other children.  Prior to her going to school I just figured she was independent and more content to be on her own.  Now that she is in a school environment, her not making contact is causing a lot of problems and frustrations in her, she is unable to adjust to the school environment and does not make contact with the teachers or other kids and when this contact is initiated, she often gets angry and will have a total meltdown at school  including hitting and acting aggressively toward other children.  We have had her evaluated by the school counselor who has told us that she thinks our daughter has a lot of fears but that it mostly comes down to the (lack of contact) and she has suggested that our daughter be evaluated by the school psychologist and we have asked for an evaluation.  I gues what I am asking is if we should be taking more aggressive measures at this time and worrying that there is a developmental or emotional problem underlying her behavior.  Any help or advice would be most appreciated.

[jdtm]

I suspect your daughter suffers from anxiety - probably social anxiety.  The treatment for anxiety is intervention, therapy and/or medication.  Anxiety is thought to be an inherited genetic trait.  I might suggest you do a "google" search of "childhood anxiety disorders" and see if any of the behaviours remind you of your daughter.  A medical professional with experience in anxiety disorders should be able to help you (I don't always have faith in "school" psychologists so if you are not satisfied with the diagnosis, you might want to look elsewhere).

Anxiety is the most common mental health issue in children today and is highly treatable.  If anxiety is the issue, your daughter is unable (not unwilling) to make contact.  Tantrums are common with this disorder due to the extreme frustration of the child.  Right now, you daughter requires patience and understanding by everyone with whom she is in contact.  The prognosis for anxiety is excellent  (especially if treated in young children) but the path to learning how to "manage" one's fears usually takes years.  I might add - if anxiety is the issue, your child will not outgrow it nor will it "go away". Our child was diagnosed with severe anxiety at six years of age and today (after years of treatment), she is "normal" - if there is such a thing.  I wish you the best -