I need help with my emotional toddler!

I have a male toddler (22m) that has been struggling with his emotions. He currently started a new daycare at a center, when he previously was at an in home daycare. To say the least, the change was a major struggle. Drop offs were a screaming crying mess. He wouldn't eat. He just stood there and would randomly cry throughout the day. The first week we did half days to ease him into it because we didn't want him struggling with the change and separation anxiety and also not sleeping all day due to the new environment. He was very clingy the first week and a half, but he's finally adjusted better, thankfully. The problem I'm having is that he's becoming very hard to handle in terms of his emotions when he's home. I should mention he's very behind with speech and communication and is currently seeing speech and occupational therapy to help with that. Unfortunately there hasn't been much change or progress since starting that 4 months ago. Currently he's been hitting, hair pulling, kicking during diaper changes and throwing tantrums over nearly everything. He literally grabs my face angry and frustrated. I just don't understand. Is he mad at me, is he frustrated because he can't say what he wants or what he feels? Is he upset with daycare? Does he feel abandoned? Is he in pain? Overly tired? He has never been a child that likes much comfort when he's upset or gets hurt. Doesn't like you to hug him, kiss him or rub his back. Pretty much just likes to have you near which makes me feel like I'm unable to help him feel better. The calm down after a fit takes 5-10 minutes nearly every time. I suppose thats independence or stubbornness. He behaves very well and happy out in public and at daycare, but at home he's turned into a terror. He's happy and playing one minute then mad/crying the next with anger and frustration. What am I missing? How do I fix it? I try to be as present and loving as possible and do everything in my power to make him smile/laugh/have fun as I can. My patience is wearing thin and I can't take my normally sweet and bubbly child being so out of control. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for reading this long post!