i'm SO sorry you're going through this. i'd be triggered too. i get triggered from the neighbor kids screaming gleefully. i can imagine how hard it must be to hear a boy crying when things are obviously not great.

i find myself transported to the past where my own daughter was screaming...she has autism. So i wonder (perhaps unnecessarily) whether there are additional issues at play here.

However, there's no excuse for his mom to berate him. You know what? i think it would be good to call CPS or the equivalent in your area just to report your concerns that the parent may need support. This wouldn't be overly judgmental. Believe me, they do nothing without strong evidence of actual abuse. At the same time, your call could be one documentation of "uh oh". And that's important.

i used to be a state social worker and it takes an awful lot for any action. So, ya know, your call isn't going to be the cause of unnecessary action...but it may just be worth documenting for future reference. Not only will this possibly help this family, but it could help you feel less than powerless.

i hope, whatever you decide, that you find some peace. Best wishes.