To me if you see this evident at 3 years old then you need to look at the Child's environment rather than already give them a label.
HOW TO PICK A CRIM AT AGE 3
The next generation's violent criminals can be spotted by the age of about three, Principal Youth Court Judge Andrew Becroft says.
Ref. https://www.stuff.co.nz/hlc/1,,93498~3328736a10~,00.html
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 3231 100%
I think that the point being made is that since we can identify certain children at greater risk, why not offer those children services to help reduce the risk. I see nothing wrong with this. The problem being raised was that they have the ability to identify the increased risk, but no programs to help reduce that risk.
My grandson was born to a high school student and a high school drop out. He was labeled as at risk for poor development as an infant into toddlerhood. Because of this his parents were given an opportunity to enroll him into a program where they tracked his development and interviewed the parents as well as watched the parents interaction with him. He was, in fact, advanced with each measurement given, but if he had experienced any delay, it would have been observed early at the best time to solve any problems before he reached school age.
Now, in my grandson's case, his mother went on the get a bachelor's degree and is now working on a nursing degree (finishes this summer), and his father has begun taking college classes, as well. So, he is more fortunate than many children born in such situations.
I think labelling a child is bad, but identifiying a child as being at greater risk and then making an effort to reduce that risk is something I think absolutely should be done.
International Level: Diplomat / Political Participation: 320 32%
Funbikerchick you are absolutely right... the earlier you can identify a child at risk, the better chances measures can be taken to help yield them in the right direction. Most definitely you have to look at the child's environment. They don't just learn habits like this on their own. It's just unfortunate.