I have a special needs son also, but he's not 'social' in our way. Nothing seems to affect him which is a sort of blessing. He's non-verbal and blissful. However, he's only 5. So your post piques my interest as I could be in the same boat one day as he grows. I'm curious to see what advice you'd get. I wonder if assigning a sort of character to your mood state's would help or confuse? Something like referring to yourself as being Miss Meanie and then assigning a reason other than her. "When Mommie's acting like Miss Meanie, it's because she woke up on the wrong side of the bed". <?>