I am suspecting my DS11 might have some issues with emotional regulation. He gets angry very easily. Once he "explodes" he can't be reasoned with or calmed down. When really angry he screams and throws things (not at people & usually things that don't break - so there appears to be some self-control). Usually, once he calms down he feels remorseful and beats himself up for losing control.

He also has trouble taking responsibility when he wrongs someone. He'll apologize and be empathetic but it is never his fault.

What type of specialist should I be talking to? What type of evaluation? How do I help him?

Thanks.

Portia,
Thanks for the note. I think we are past data collection. We already know a lot of the triggers. Sounds such as chewing, crinkling of wrappers, rubbing against certain fabrics, etc. are the worst. Sense of injustice, when he feels he's being wronged, and negative feedback/criticism are also pretty bad.

But it's not just anger that's big. All of his emotions - both positive and negative - are pretty big. He's super affectionate, enthusiastic and expressive (all of which we love about him!).

We can no longer tiptoe around our child to avoid setting him off. His behavior is straining his relationship with his siblings and with us. He snaps at friends and sometimes at other adults.


We really need help we just don't know where to start.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.