Can anyone point me to a definition / diagnosis

[LittleMissLucy]

My DS has a friend at school who is almost 5 yrs old and she displays some challenging behaviors. She is clearly very bright and often very charismatic but very domineering and does the following on a daily basis:

1. verbally - she simply commands others to behave in a certain way / say certain things, doesn't ask questions or engage in another manner.
   
2. cries frequently (or seems to cry) about 5 + times a day, in what appears to be an attention seeking manner - showing distress at random, resolving it at random.
   
3. thrill seeks / risk takes - removes her own underwear, climbs high up a tree she's been told to stay off, walks into the road / parking lot.
   
4. is violent towards "friends" - smacking, kicking, etc as if in a fury but without provocation.
   

It would really help me to know what she might be suffering from and if it sounds temporary or long-term, as she is only a little girl and I'd like to be as sympathetic as I can, without also worrying about it. The school has a policy of not divulging this kind of information but I would be grateful if anyone can shed some light if only for a little peace of mind.

Thanks.

[Ilikethebreeze]

Personally have no idea. Will bump for you.
But also slightly thinking, whether you need to know exactly what is wrong with her?
I think you and others can still be sympathetic without knowing an official name.
I would try not to worry about it if I were you.
And if you have faith, to pray?

What is her home life like?

[LittleMissLucy]

Well, the reason I ask is that my DS has been at the receiving end of her violence (and not retaliated) and it helps me to understand what the problem is.

Home life is a bit tough. Dad gone, remarried with another child in another city quite far away so only visits sporadically. Mother at home but has two nannies who do most of the day to day childcare (all funded by dad). Its a bit sad really.

[Ilikethebreeze]

Have you spoken to other mothers about the girl?

[LittleMissLucy]

No I haven't I don't want to gossip or make an issue. Everyone tries to be as accepting and inclusive as possible and I think it would be divisive somehow, I don't know - that's why I'm here really, asking if anyone knows.

Don't worry, thanks for trying.