What Does Being Absent Minded And Lonely Indicate?

My son played with his hands and appeared to mentally wander off and be alone in a separate world. We had tried to place his hands gently in his lap to reduce the play, but then we started to say stop playing with your hands or no hand play at the table, or when reading. Then no hand playing. and gradually over the last two weeks he has actually stopped. however this has been replaced with him being so disruptive in class - his teacher is excellent and had no problems with him just before Christmas now says he doesn't do as he is told and almost does things to be bold - like run around tables - stand on his chair - or sit stubbornly when in PE. His behaviour outside school is not great either - help -