preschooler hits himself

[AllieBuck]

My preschooler was in school when his teacher accidently but gently bumped into him from behind. He then screamed at her and starting hitting himself and repeatedly scratched at his face and eyes. The teacher was very upset and shaken. She said she never saw anything like this and suggested I get him evaluated to see if there is any emotional or sensory issues. My son told me that he wanted to be a monster and a skeleton saw she would leave the room. Do you have any suggestion as to why a gentle tap would upset and scare him so much and what the teacher should do if this happens again?

[AnnieBrooke]

Does he like school, or is he resisting being there but knows he has to go because you say so?  When my son gets conflicted, he hits.

[RockRose]

It's hard to believe a tap from a teacher that he otherwise feels comfortable with would cause this reaction.    In general,  is she kind and sweet,  and does he like her?