Dear hippychick, just from your profile name I feel your a lovely sensitive generous loving Mum. Your son is also like you. It is very very tough in this world for sensitive kind people. Most importantly be kind to yourself and your children. 17 is a tough tough time. I have a 18, 16 & 14 year old and NONE of my children fit well into school. Its tough, mean and competitive. Teenagers are so self absorbed they dont see their peers struggling. My eldest is highly sensitive, he is kind, loyal and loves nature. He hates loud noises, crowds, unfamiliar places. He was the same in not wanting to attend places without someone he knew. He has NO close friends. Your son needs time to feel supported and confident to tackle places alone. You need to keep showing him all your lovely support and compassion, remind him how special he is, but mostly help him find something he loves and has fun doing. My son plays cricket and the support the older members have given him have done more than any psychologist has. Not to say they are not important, but being made to feel a sense of belonging is the key to self acceptance. I found kinesiology, whereby your child does not even have to talk an amazing start to opening up. It is a gentle way of breaking habits. If your son wants to work on the Sea shepard, help him follow his dreams. try to find ways which will lead him into this passion. I hope this helps, stay strong and remember there are others like you who stuggle with raising these lovely sensitive children, your never alone. xxx ... View more