aggressive biteing

I have a 3 year old son that is overly excitable he can't even be taken into a store and he viciously attacks his 2 year old brother that's special needs.  he has started now biteing and leaving bruises and drawing blood even I am going too a therapist tomarrow but no one seems too listen too e what do I do?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The therapist can help to figure out to what extent there is some problem in the parent/child interaction and to what extent your son might be displaying the early symptoms of an emotional disorder. The therapist will also help regarding management of the behavior. You are doing the right thing by seeking professional help.

[Mirit]

not only is he biteing but he throws his toys breaks everything it seems like and just acn't calm down sorry for not putting this in the first question had a biteing innocendent and paniced.  well anyways I'm thinking it could be something like bi-polor or ADHD he climbs and jumps off things and even sometimes bites himself or hurts himself.  is it possible for a child too be diagnosed with things like that at the age of 3?  well tomarrow is the first step I'm scared and don't know if its the right thing my family is telling that I'm over reacting well another biteing innocent gotta go.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

You are absolutely doing a sensible thing by seeking help. Your son's behavior is not within the normal spectrum. We generally shy away from diagnosing ADHD or Mood Disorder in a child so young. Developmental status makes such diagnosis suspect. Family history of any biologically-based emotional or neurointegrative condition certainly makes a child vulnerable to such conditions. In relatively rare instance very young children who are diagnosed with hyperactivity are prescribed a small amount of stimulant medication (such as Dexedrine), but it really is unusual. Generally we favor environmental treatment and behavior management.

[Ray Fields]

I have a 18 month old daughter that has all of a sudden has a problem with biteing. She went to a new daycare with some children that were pretty rough and since she has been removed. But now she has this biteing prob. that I can not seem to break. Idont know what went wrong but when I diseplin her and god forbid give her a spanking for this she just laughs or maybe cries for 10 sec. How can I show my little girl to listen to me and make sure she knows I love her !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The surest way to address such behavior is to reiterate the limit: "No biting", and to place her in time out immediately when any aggressive behavior occurs. The time out need only last a few minutes. At the end of the period, again say "No biting."

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The surest way to address such behavior is to reiterate the limit: "No biting", and to place her in time out immediately when any aggressive behavior occurs. The time out need only last a few minutes. At the end of the period, again say "No biting."

[keishona528]

A related discussion, biting was started.