Kate, Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences. You definately "get it". Ryan is not unhappy, rather he is an exceptionally social and well adjusted child. He just doesn't hear people coming up on him so it is like all of us when someone yells out BOO only this happens to him all the time. I will try the whistle trick. That sounds like a good idea. I used to clear my throat before I would go into his room, that did seem to help a little. It's the times that I don't know he's even in the room that ends up with both of us giving a bit of a scream. Like you said, the other person gets startled as well. I do hold him when he cries about it and his poor little heart is beating out of his chest. We always end an episode with a laugh or a tickle fest. It might have something to do with the fact that he has to wait all day to get his GH shot. This must be anxiety producing. We have asked if we could give it at another time, but the body does most of it's growing while at rest so he must get it just before he goes to bed. I am sure we will get over it some day, thanks again for understanding and sharing.