You said, " we have a seven yesr old male with a shunt". What is a "shunt"? Is it something that could be part of the problem?
I would start with a neurologist. If it isn't neurological, he can most likely suggest the next step. But I would do it quickly.
May I ask if he is your child the phrasing suggested not ...I think that it would be a good idea to take him to the doctor as something is certainly upsetting him, has he siblings, has he access to a Computer or TV where he may be seeing/hearing such things ?