why would a kid be afraid of light of all things?
2006-08-22 02:46:59 · 16 answers · asked by carla here 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
no, it's not light sensitivity. the light is not physically harmful to this kid, just frightening.
2006-08-22 02:55:13 · update #1
It depends on the child's age and experiences.
A child could be *afraid* of the light because he's photophobic. A trip to an ophthalmologist could help here. Some children have eye disorders that cause their eyes to be extra sensitive to light.
Some children have sensory disorders that cause bright lights, loud sounds, rough clothing, strong smells, to be more painful to them as they are not able to integrate themselves easily with their overstimulating environment. An occupational therapist with specialty in sensory integration disorders or a pediatric neuropsychologist could help here by evaluating the child for sensory integration disorders.
If it's an older child, it's possible that they've heard that death is about "going toward the light" so they've begun to equate light with death. This phrase is even in cartoons and animated movies so chances are, by the time a child is elementary school aged, they've heard it many times.
If it's light coming through a door when the room is otherwise in darkness, I would say that the child has a fear of whatever is entering the room. Some children who have been molested or abused in their own bedroom in the middle of the night will "flashback" every time they see light coming through a door the way it would just before they were touched or harmed in this way. It's like... their body and brain go on autopilot and they know they're about to be hurt again.
If none of these seems likely to you, I would think that the best solution would be for the child to simply see a qualified children's therapist (LCSW) to see if the root of the fear can be discovered by unlocking what's in the child's mind on the issue. Some fears make no sense at all on the surface... but there's usually a reason it started, albeit it might not make sense to anyone else but the person who fears it.
2006-08-22 03:01:53 · answer #1 · answered by thegirlwholovedbrains 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree the first thing I'd check on with the doctor is light sensitivity. However, it could be that some event occurred when a light was turned on that frightened the child. Is it all kinds of light (natural and artificial) or only at night when a light is on in the room?
Check with doctor first. But otherwise, a gentle program of desensitizing from the fear may be what's called for.
2006-08-22 03:01:44 · answer #2 · answered by Shaman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'd have to explore that issue with the child.
We can only guess, but the problem needs to be solved.
Perhaps light has caused the child pain?
Sunburn? Sunstroke? Burned by a lightbulb? Agoraphobia (just doesn't want to go out in the open where he/she will be seen)
Light is not something the child should go through life fearing.
Please look into finding counseling/therapy for this child.
2006-08-22 02:56:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The child may have a severe case of light sensitivity and bright light is painful.
There are some people who have a condition where sunlight is dangerous and they can only go out at night, and if they go out during the day they are covered from head to toe.
The child may have a severe case of light sensitivity and bright light is painful.
There are some people who have a condition where sunlight is dangerous and they can only go out at night, and if they go out during the day they are covered from head to toe.
There is also a rare metobolic disease called Porphyria that can cause photosensitivity. This disease is often associated with vampires and werewolves.
2006-08-22 02:52:40 · answer #4 · answered by WhatAmI? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
in line with probability u can ask him the place he thinks the boogieman is and while he tells u bypass over to the spot and verify and say look no boogieman and in line with probability interior the midst of the nite while he is going to sleep turn off the lights furniture so if he wakes up at nite hes on the hours of darkness.
2016-11-05 09:12:02 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They might have a rare disease that when in the Sunlight or any other light, they get severe sunburn, and I think have a higher risk of skin cancer if exposed.
2006-08-22 02:53:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because there is some kind of problem there. Some people are afraid of snakes and people who own them think "why snakes of all things, they are so cool" etc....Get it checked out!
2006-08-22 03:14:19 · answer #7 · answered by Scott 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
may be he is a shy child that doesn't like being in the spot light i don't know
2006-08-22 02:58:03 · answer #8 · answered by Innocence 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it so some time bcz of light is another sagment of dark so it can happen
2006-08-22 02:53:09 · answer #9 · answered by SG 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is a disease where you cant be exposed to light. I think they showed it on "The Others"
2006-08-22 02:52:43 · answer #10 · answered by zbbasktbal82092 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋