I hope it's ok to post here. We are struggling with extreme moods from my DS aged 6 - often triggered by something small that doesn't go his way, like if he drops a bit of lolly on the ground and so can't finish it (while his sister doesn't drop hers and so gets it all, so he sees it as not fair). This can trigger a negative mood and downward spiral in behaviour - recently these have been getting more and more extreme and can last for hours. He hits his sister, me and his Dad, is rude verbally and resists attempts to help him. Laughs in our face, and says he doesn't care about any punishment. It's not like a tantrum - feels like he's decided to go into a bad mood and then can't get out of it. Rarely shows remorse. Often sounds like a rude adult when he speaks.
By way of background, he's been tricky since a baby. Latish developing social skills. Aged around 3 we had a multi-disciplinary assessment privately - ruled out ASD but assessed as pre-dyspraxic and somewhat hypermobile. Following that assessment he had physio and OT for about 18 months or so. Now doing v well at school in all areas (apart from sport where he's slow and uncoordinated), considered very bright and sociable and a lovely boy by his teachers.
I don't really know what to do with him - he's so utterly horrible when he's in these moods. He knows we can't control him and relishes his power. We've had behavioural difficulties in the past - seem to go in stages. I've read most books going, done an (excellent) parenting course. Just started reading The Explosive Child, hoping it will help.
Do you think I should take him to see a child psychologist/psychiatrist/therapist - I don't know what to do? He is capable of being charming and helpful. I think I'm just letting of steam here really, I feel so sad and desperate about it.