Talk to Child Psychologist on Behavioural Concern

* my son gets overwhelmed very easily, especially when he is given more than one instruction at a time. For example, if I ask him to take something to his dad and then close the window, he can become confused and distressed. * He seems to need more time to process information. Once something is explained calmly and individually, he usually understands it and can answer correctly. * At school, he doesn’t tend to ask for help. If he doesn’t understand a question or task, rather than asking the teacher to explain it, he may sit quietly, become upset or cry. * Homework can cause a very strong emotional reaction. With maths, for example, he may immediately say, “I can’t do it,” “I’m dumb,” or “I’ll never be able to do this.” He can cry so much that his eyes become swollen. * The strange thing is that, once he calms down and I explain the work, he can often do it very well. So it isn’t necessarily that he lacks the ability; it is the level of distress before attempting the task that worries me. * Even ordinary choices can overwhelm him. For example, he has plenty of clothes, but when he opens his wardrobe he sometimes cannot work out what to choose or find what he needs. He becomes flustered, panics and may start crying. * Socially, he tends to have very few friends and often seems to sit or play by himself. * Recently he has become much more emotional and irritable at home. He gets angry quite quickly, cries frequently and can become aggressive, particularly with his older brother. * He used to share his thoughts and feelings more openly, but lately he seems more withdrawn. * His older brother sometimes corrects him or compares him with himself, saying things such as, “You shouldn’t say it like that,” or “When I was your age I could do more than that.” I don’t know whether this is affecting his confidence, or whether something at school is contributing as well. * At the same time, he is a very kind and helpful child. He happily helps me with little household chores .