7 yr. old with anxiety, control, anger issues

[dingo102]

I have a 7 yr. old son that still has angry outbursts and temper tantrums. He is mean to his younger sister, takes toys away from her, refuses to share with her or friends, slams the door and locks other kids out of his playroom and bedroom and says they can't play with his toys in there. He is very controlling and bossy with other kids, always has to boss everyone and control how everyone plays. He instigates alot of trouble while playing with other kids too. He has thrown rocks, mulch, among other things at other kids with out being provoked. He has tackled and hit other kids with out being provoked. it is disturbing because he smiles when he does mean things to other kids like he enjoys it. He is also very competetive when he plays with other kids and especially the neighbor kid, always competing with him and always trying to provoke him. It is almost like he is a bully already at 7. He also does not respect adult authority very well, he has splashed adults at the pool, smarts off and doesn't do what they ask. He kicks and hits me when he gets mad or upset about getting disciplined. He is very defiant and seems "mean spirited" alot and purposely tries to hurt other kids or antagonize them. Yet he cries easily if anyone challenges him or does anything mean to him he is the first to cry. It is as if he has no idea how to be around other kids or how to relate or how to get along well woth other kids. He will respond to a stern adult who keeps him in line like at school. He has also talked a few times about neding to talk to himself to calm himself and once he told a neighbor about talking to another imaginary person. son also has always had a speech delay, he goes to speech therapy and it has helped alot, but still needs work. His behavior has not imporved hardly at all eventhough his speech has over the last few years. Please tell me what you think is going on with my son and what you think is his problem and what we should do about it. Please help!

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Even at his young age your son is showing clear signs of emotional and behavioral disturbance. You should arrange asap an evaluation with a pediatric menatl health professional. That evaluation will result in a treatment plan, which will likely include several components: systematic behavior management, parent guidance and therapy (individual and/or group).

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

He may well dispay Disruptive Behavior Disorder and perhaps Mood Disorder, along with Developmental Disorders (e.g., in the area of Speech/Language). The important thing is to arrange the evaluation. Speculation about his condition(s) won't be very useful.

[dingo102]

What do you suspect might be wrong with my son? Any idea what might be his condition from what I shared with you?

Thank you!