He is genuinely either terrified or freaked out by the ball itself. He was looking at his wildlife book this morning and maybe seeing a picture of the cockroaches was enough to set him off. It has persisted all day. He still wouldn't brush his teeth tonight. I'll have to think about cutting the ball open. It might help or it might make it worse.

My 16 year old neice gave it to him. I'm sure she thought that being a boy he'd think it was cool. Thanks. I just didn't know what to think.