Although I can only go from what I know as a mother and teacher, I found that tiredness, and overstimuation of the senses is enough to trigger some kids off. I taught my DS that when he started to feel like this, to take himself away and play with a car quietly. This worked really well for him.

Rescue remedy drops were also good when they were out of sorts from the moment they woke up - natropathic so can do no harm, and they may even do some good

Another thing that worked to settle my DS down was fish oil or omega 3 caplets. It improves brain function and helps with concentration. I found that they made him more centered and improved his overall behaviour and skills noticably. Natures way have chewable caplets that they can take. Not to expensive either. You double dose the child for the first 30 days to get levels up and then drop back to one caplet a day - worth a try also as once again they do no harm, even if they don't work for your child.

Defiantely look at food and food additives as well. Tomato sauce, orange juice, cordial, even some breads can be triggers for some kids. Worth looking a diet with a fine tooth comb. A natropath may of help or a dietician.

If you are still seeing these types of behaviours, i defiantely would seek professional help - even from a child phyc wo can give you ways to cope with his behaviour and test him for other conditions such as aspergers, ADD and other type conditions.

There is such a fine line with kids. Often the types of characterisics that they display as kids such as stubborness, definance and independence are characteristics that we want them to embrace when they are adults. You don't want to quash it, but they have to learn what is acceptable and what is not.

HTH and good luck