Yes, you're both right, I could be that, and probably is, especially if this child is an only and gets all the attention at home. It's the fact that he clams up and won't speak unless he's alone with her that made me think Social Anxiety. I have a neighbor who's child has struggled with this from a very young age, and it involves a near crippling shyness and fear of being around people, and has nothing at all to do with the child being manipulative. I know we're all hyper aware of all of the "disorders" these days, but it can't hurt to express concern (without saying that you suspect a psychological problem, of course) to the parents.

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