control temper

[Anonymous]

9-year-old tells me that he slaps his thigh with his hand to hold his temper not to yell or hit at some kids that he finds annoying that make him really angry. It does not make any mark, and that is his way to control his temper. He is mostly friendly, but he does not have a lot of patience to younger kids that do things slow or goof around to make him wait around for too long. He wants some harmony, so he controls himself by slapping his thigh to make him not standing up to yell to call them stupid kids or slap at them. He has never get reported for violence from school, so I think he is just more talk than action on wanting to slap them. He has came across some situation at regular summer camp with age range like 6-10, and he happens to be the oldest one in the camp. He has asd and adhd. Is that considered a healthy way to control his angry emption in the public? Is there an alternative or better way that I can introduce?

[Anonymous]

I am impressed that he found and can articulate a strategy. Personally, I would be ok with it, as long as it's not too frequent and doesn't leave a mark.

What does he do in the winter when he's wearing long pants?

[Anonymous]

I agree. He found a way to regulate himself—I would praise it and move on

[Anonymous]

You need a behavioral evaluation ASAP.

[Anonymous]

It sounds not that bad, and camp will be over soon. He's not the first person to find 6-year-olds aggravating.

Look at his leg and see if it's bruised.