Anonymous wrote:This sounds similar to my daughter and we found that she is a Highly Sensitive Child, which is not really what it sounds like - it's a lot more then just crying or getting feelings hurt easily. This is not a syndrome or disorder. Just a (sometimes extreme) personality trait. the book has been a God-send for us. I might be completely off-base here, but maybe take a look at this quiz and see if it's a fit. I think the most telling sign is the last one, "feels things deeply" which seems to fit your son.

http://www.hsperson.com/pages/test_child.htm

Very interesting - I will definitely check out the book. Thanks for the response!

This sounds similar to my daughter and we found that she is a Highly Sensitive Child, which is not really what it sounds like - it's a lot more then just crying or getting feelings hurt easily. This is not a syndrome or disorder. Just a (sometimes extreme) personality trait. the book has been a God-send for us. I might be completely off-base here, but maybe take a look at this quiz and see if it's a fit. I think the most telling sign is the last one, "feels things deeply" which seems to fit your son.

http://www.hsperson.com/pages/test_child.htm

Anonymous wrote:OP, does this seem to happen more in overstimulating environments? Like when he's in a crowd or there are loud noises? Does he seem to be hyper-observant, noticing more than most people?

No. If anything, it's an intensely personal reaction to mundane, mildly unpleasant events (misplacing something, receiving criticism). While no fan of loud noises, he does not seem to have problems with crowds, nor would I characterize him as hyper-observant. He's much more apt to be in his own world, oblivious and slow to react to his environment.

OP, does this seem to happen more in overstimulating environments? Like when he's in a crowd or there are loud noises? Does he seem to be hyper-observant, noticing more than most people?

A book won't help him. Tell him to turn away, take a deep breath, hold it, and then let it out slowly. Envision the hurt as a bubble coming into his body when inhaling, and the bubble shrinking as he holds it, then the hurt feelings pushing away as he exhales. The end.

DS consistently has intense emotional reactions to slights real and perceived. Sometimes they manifest as anger; more often as *barely* restrained tears. You can literally see him struggle to maintain control and it is obviously very, very difficult for him.

As he will be heading off to middle school, with all of its attendant stress and challenges, I thought it might be a good time to see if I can't help him gain some awareness and hopefully skills and techniques that will help him with his emotions and stress.

Can anyone recommend any age-appropriate books or even family workbooks that they have found to be beneficial?