How to handle a difficult professor?

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I have been working on my master's thesis for about two years. During this time I have been working with a professor (who is likely also somewhere on the spectrum) who doesn't really seem to approve of the research work that I'm doing. This professor has been known to be difficult with a number of students, not just me. However, he occasionally will outright attack my research while in a meeting with 10 other people. Some of the things that he has brought up have been helpful tips and things that I should look at, but other times it just seems like he's attacking it for the sake of attacking it.

Today I was sitting in a meeting with him and after explaining the latest progress on my research (which is now nearly finished...) this professor just turned to me and went off on how I've been treating the program that I'm using for my research as a black box and that I need to understand it to be able to defend my thesis (I do understand this program and I have put a considerable amount of time and effort into making sure that I understand this program. I just have trouble verbally explaining how something works...). Then he went on to say that "This is a research project, which means you're not just getting a model to work, you are testing some kind of a hypothesis. When are you going to tell us what your hypothesis is?" even though I had given a presentation on the project last week in which I clearly explained what my hypothesis was and how the results of my model fit the hypothesis.

Normally when he goes off on me I just brush it off, because he does usually make some good points and I think he just has a very blunt delivery of those criticisms. I also think that part of the time it's aggravated by miscommunications between the two of us. Today, however, he just seemed especially harsh. It doesn't help that during the course of his attack today he managed to touch on everything that I've felt anxiety about with my project over the last two years... and I was already feeling a bit anxious, so it just really got to me.

All I can say is that I am grateful to another professor involved in the project for coming to my defense while I sat there speechless and somewhat stunned.

I don't really know what to do about this professor because I am supposed to be working with him on my project, but I'm to a point where I'm uncomfortable with talking to him and after today I honestly feel like I might deck him the next time I'm in a room with him.

I don't have any documentation of it, though there have definitely been witnesses. I'm so close to finishing, however, that I don't really want to cause trouble. I also forgot to mention that he is actually technically retired and no one really likes him because he can be such an as*hole.

I've thought about quitting numerous times and my disability advisor has offered to talk to him, we decided against it because I didn't want to give him anything that he could try to use against me. I have to talk to the professor who defended me (who is actually my graduate advisor) about my research today... I might bring it up with him.

If I were you, in addition to the documentation, I would try to have a one-on-one meeting and air out any differences you have. Have a discussion in which you both outline your differences and see what resolution you can come to. This has the benefit of putting him on the spot for what he would have to live up to.

Once you get a series of promises he'll make to improve your relationship (be sure to compromise on your end as well; I know you're not at fault, but it'll sweeten the deal to work with him), immediately put it in writing and notify your allies (the professor who is on your side, disability advocate,etc.) Let them know immediately what he has promised. If he goes back to his old ways again, you can document it and be more credible in how the professor has been malicious. It will also put pressure on him as your allies can demonstrate to him how he had disregarded his earlier promises.

Another thing: Document your past praises and criticisms from him and your professor who supports you. It could be the case that he'll stop the open criticism, but secretly start recording any grievances without telling you. He may then suddenly blindside you with them at an inconvenient moment. Record precisely any praises he had plus criticisms from the time of your talk to any new incident. He may attempt to get back by attacking your performance. Usually this will be to attempt to demotivate you. If he does this, document the sudden outburst and notify superiors and allies. This relies on you regularly checking with your allies on what your advisor has been praising you with. This tactic will be something that is out of the ordinary from your normal interactions. Documenting this and appraising others will show that your advisor is doing something out of the ordinary and shows more fault with him. Hopefully others can then put pressure on him to quit.

If worse comes to worse, there are ranking sites for professors that allow students to rank and write evaluations of them. If no one comes to your aid, put all your documentation into the evaluation of the professor online. You'll end up making future student highly reluctant to work under him and thus downgrade his credibility with the institution he works with.

What you need from him is a detailed and plainly laid out criticism of your work. Get him to outline the primary points as saliently as he can. Then give that list to another lecturer you trust and get them to break it to you tactfully (dont read it as he'll have time to deliberate over the suggestions and make them especially cutting) use a mediator who can effectively translate and make more realistic demands not borne of an oppositional contrary and downright tyrannical personality.

This will also give you the opportunity to bring someone else into the loop who will be exposed to just how obnoxious and objectionable this guy is.

Thanks for your suggestions. Fortunately everyone knows he's an as*hole and my actual committee members have told me to try and ignore it the best I can and not to worry because my work is more than adequate in their minds. Trying to take any formal action against him will likely be pointless because he is retired and I am likely the last student that will ever work with him. Not to mention, I really don't want to stir up trouble... it won't help me in the long run.

I opted to avoid him for a few days while I cooled off and am going to take the helpful criticisms that he had to offer and blame the rest on him being an old nutjob.

He isn't your advisor is he? If not, I would try not to worry too much. Don't neglect his criticisms since he may have some valid points buried in the cantankerous delivery, and work with your advisor to make sure that your work is of high quality and that you are prepared to defend your thesis.