8 year old DS making life unbearable

[Emma54]

My 8 year old DS is making family life very hard. He is rude and aggressive at home and also when we are out with other people. He constantly starts arguments with his sister (normal I know) and gets really angry if things don't go his way on playdates. Its becoming embarrassing and I feel like I cant relax when he goes to other peoples houses. I try not to shout but I just cant get through to him. I am at my wits end.
Please help

I don't know what you already have in place but I think you just need to set out consistent rules and punishments, supernanny's famous 'time out' for example. It will take some time (and patience) but he'll learn.

yes, i ve tried to be consistent. I think you might be right about time outs. taking things off him does not seem to work but he would hate to miss out on playing!
Thanks

How's he getting on at school? Any issues there?

He is dyslexic. I have out a lot of his anger down to that because he is also an extremely caring and sensitive little boy underneath, but this is the summer and we have no school work, no lessons etc so Im not sure that I am not just making excuses for him .

So does he have any issue coping with his anger at school?

Not really. hes been pulled up a couple of times about boisterous play ( as have lots of the boys) but is well liked by the teachers I think. At my wits end.