Key phobia?

[EverybodysStressyEyed]

In the past few months I've noticed my ds 6 covering keys if they are on the dining table at meal times. Now he won't even touch them and even th sound of them sets him on edge

How do I get him over this? He can't articulate what it is about them but he said he used to feel the same about coins so I guess it is the metallic nature. He says he is afraid he might accidentally put them in his mouth when eating but doesn't give a reason for not liking the sound or feel of them.

Is there a way I can get him over this (other than hiding all keys and hoping he forgets!)?

The only thing I can think is really gentle desensitisation. Maybe start with the game where you cover stuff up and he has to guess what's missing. Making it exciting might make him forget about it long enough to get some exposure.
Maybe having him try some unusual flavours or textures might realise some anxiety as well. You can get chocolate that looks like gold. Or put green food colouring in mash potato.
Or you could hide the keys for a few months, he might just get over it.

Thqnks for your reply.

He is a bit fussy with food so maybe that would help. I will try the hiding game too an see if he freaks out or not!

I bet someone along the line has told him not to play with money as it's dirty. My germ phobe friend told my son this and got all daft over it. I told him it was only dirty if you didn't wash his hands before eating and that germs cant jump. We did lots of shops and giving change games. I think it was the smell left on his hands that he believed was germs/dirt. Some people think they are being helpful, but.......

that's an interesting theory - i might up the hand washing!

maybe i will leave the keys lying around but not on the dining table so he doesn't get upset at mealtimes and he doesn't feel he has to move them/cover them