2.5 year old referred to Paediatrician

[Louloubelleb]

Hello there,
My lo is 2.5 years old- an only child but has a well balanced upbringing with lots of family and friends around. The one thing he has always struggled with is other children. He doesn’t like them near him or trying to take his toys. I’ve read this is pretty normal for a toddler who has yet to understand how to share etc.
His nursery has flagged this to our Health Visitor as recently he has started to lash out at other kids. I have witnessed it myself - he literally launches himself at them if they a. Invade his space or b. Try and touch his toys. He threw himself off a bunk bed a few days ago as another child wanted to join him up there. Luckily I caught him. He then has a huge meltdown .. rolling across the floor banging his head. I then take him out of the situation and cuddle him.
A health visitor called me today as he scratched a child at nursery and they suggest I work with a paediatrician. Of course I will go through the motions however I’ve read that territorial behaviour is quite standard at this age. Am I overreacting to be worried? He has no other symptoms to suggest anything unusual.

[BillHadersNewWife]

How is his language? Sometimes, if they're still struggling to be understood, they can get frustrated. The fact is though that at 2 and a half, most children are very interested in other kids...they might not actually play WITH them but they enjoy playing beside them and interacting in small ways...sharing toys or just running around together.

[Louloubelleb]

Thanks for your reply. His speech isn’t fully developed as yet - he can’t articulate how he’s feeling or if something is upsetting him. I have also had his hearing checked but all normal. I can sense that it is frustration that turns into impulsive actions with a trigger. That said he does have a want to interact with children but would rather play alone or with an adult.

[BillHadersNewWife]

Does he like playing with toys? Does he play pretend games? Such as bringing you a "cup of tea" in a teaset cup?

[Louloubelleb]

Yes he has a play kitchen and loves to ‘ cook’ etc . Puts his teddy ready for ‘ bed’ etc. He’s just started to do this and it’s improving every day.

[BillHadersNewWife]

Well that's very positive....if I were you I would use the paed appointment to ask about getting help with his language...Speech and Language Therapy can be hard to access.