3 year old screams and throws a tantrum.

[1sttimedad2013]

My 3-1/2 year old has screaming fits with just about anything - especially not getting what she want (which I understand is normal). The problem is, that they are blood-curdling screams. We have her in Preschool and she is also receiving help as she has a speech impairment. She is also eating (or trying to) everything she gets in her hands (crayons, pencils, colored pencils, etc...). Also in the mornings, my wife will make her the breakfast she wants, but she won't eat it, instead picking up something inedible. We've been to the pediatrician several times and have an upcoming appt. We're concerned about the possibility of low vitamin levels. She also gets anxious easily. Has anyone out there experienced these same or similar issues? My intuition says there might be something else.

[specialmom]

Hi.  I'm sorry this is happening.  Parenting is a rough gig.  I would be open to whatever they suggest in terms of evaluating your child.  Kids are very oral---  is she trying to self soothe?  Biting on something for texture or sensation is a processing issue found in sensory processing disorder.  It's done sometimes to calm themselves and is called sensory seeking.  While pica is a possibility, that is generally not found to be dietary related but more emotionally/psychologically related.  

while the screaming and tantrums are normal for 3, it sounds like you are being told and sensing yourselves that this is outside normal.  My son has sensory integration disorder and preschool was a very rough time. screaming, fight or flight responses, running out of the room were pretty much the norm for him at preschool.  :>((  once evaluated, we were able to help him with coping mechanisms.  

Look into sensory integration disorder.  Let me know how she is doing and what the doctor says.  good luck