Nova Episode: The Wild Child - Genie's Story

Introduction

• Broadcast Date: Nova's episode on a wild child named Genie.
• Context: Genie was discovered after being isolated by her parents, unable to talk and wearing diapers.
• Scientific Interest: Her case attracted scientists aiming to study human development and the effects of isolation.

Discovery and Initial Conditions

• Date of Discovery: November 4, 1970, in Arcadia, Los Angeles.
• Genie's Condition: Aged 13, appeared infantile, confined to a potty chair, and made infantile noises.
• Parental Abuse: Genie's parents charged with child abuse, her father committed suicide post-discovery.
• Initial Observations: Genie was "wild," with a strange walk, minimal vocalization, and undeveloped behavior.

Scientific and Emotional Responses

• Medical Response: Taken to Children's Hospital where she became a subject of scientific interest.
• Emotional Connection: Professionals like psychologist James Kent and linguist Susan Curtis became deeply invested in her welfare and development.

Genie's Linguistic Development

• Critical Period Hypothesis: Genie's case tested the theory by Eric Lenneberg about a critical period for language acquisition.
• Susan Curtis' Role: Monitored Genie's language development, noting her vocabulary growth but difficulty with grammar.

Rehabilitation Efforts

• Initial Growth: Underwent therapies to improve mental and social skills; began forming attachments.
• Physical and Emotional Challenges: Displayed inhuman traits like a "bunny walk"; experienced emotional storms.
• Foster Care: Lived with Jean Butler and later with David Rigler, who provided care and supervised her therapy.

Historical Parallels and The Forbidden Experiment

• Comparison to Victor of Aveyron: Similar case in France in the 1800s of a wild child, who became a subject of study.
• Outcome for Victor: Failed to fully integrate into society; lived a simple life until his death.
• Genie's Case: Raised ethical questions about the balance between scientific research and humane treatment.

Challenges and Controversies

• Research Funding and Direction: National Institute of Mental Health withdrew funding due to lack of scientific progress.
• Lawsuit: Filed by Genie's mother for excessive testing and lack of care focus.

Conclusion and Current Status

• Genie's Present State: Lives in an adult care foster home.
• Lessons Learned: Genie's case highlights the ethical dilemmas in research, balancing scientific inquiry with patient welfare.
• Legacy: Genie's story serves as a case study in human development and ethical research practice.