He may be going through a period of regression. When DS8 gets overwhelmed with sensory input, or new knowledge, he needs a period to let it absorb. We do a burrito wrap for a couple of days and let him regress to easier tasks, then he is fresh and ready to go!
He may not have the words to tell you adequately what is happening which might be why he doesn't want to discuss it. DS8 told his teacher "I need a break!" when he had just arrived at school (this was when he was six). She didn't understand but as soon as she told me, I got it because that is how he learns. He learns like he grows; he stores up knowledge (getting chubby) and then he absorbs it (growing tall).
