Is the little lost Boy Scout mentally deficient?

[kanrok]

He got lost and "hid" from rescuers because his parents taught him not to talk to strangers? Seriously, is he "slow?"

[SoCalDem]

1. As a matter of fact, yes he is.

His mother said he was born very prematurely, and is developmentally delayed..

[kanrok]

2. What a shame

He seems like such a sweet kid.

[Radio_Lady]

62. I agree, kanrok. Looks as if he didn't head DOWN the hill, as most

lost persons do, but headed UP and OVER the rise. That's why they were so late in finding him.

Also, it did seem a little odd that he was lost for days and wouldn't talk to strangers. No telling what was going through his mind by then. Thank goodness they found him.

On edit: Another thing. My son from Clearfield, Utah, said that the Boy Scouts have a rule that there must be one man for every five boys on this sort of trip. This group only has ONE MAN for TEN boys. Anyone hear about that?

[democracyindanger]

99. There's a big difference between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts

Unless things have changed since I was a kid, there's Cub Scouts, then Webelos, then Boy Scouts. You don't really start doing serious outdoor stuff until you're a Boy Scout, and I think the minimum age is 14. When I was a Cub Scout, it was all pinewood racers and singing songs. The only trips I remember taking were to the Rose Festival (in Portland) and a visit to a nuclear power plant--but these were highly organized, and the buddy system was in effect.

This kid is a Cub Scout. I don't know why the Den Mother/Father hasn't been asked why he wasn't with a buddy, and if he was, what happened.

[madeline_con]

115. We went on camping trips

and my kid was a cub and a webelo.

Nowdays, parents accompany the kids to meetings and outings, instead of sending them.

[Shell Beau]

118. They said he wasn't old enough to be a Boy Scout, so what

does that make him?

[tyedyeto]

3. That is so sad when you think about it...

I taught my kids about being wary of strangers too. But they knew if they were ever lost or in trouble, there are those who will help you.

[kanrok]

5. Sad and dangerous

considering the environment.

[Floogeldy]

8. Link?

Thanks.

B-)

[Floogeldy]

10. That's horrible.

Where and when did his mother say that?

B-)

[auntAgonist]

22. His Mother

didn't say "it", (or exactly that ) his uncle did.


http://www.ksbitv.com/home/1620467.html

Brennan's uncle, Bob Hawkins, said his nephew may have been afraid to contact the strangers because they weren't using the password his family had adopted.

The family explained that Brennan was born prematurely and he is socially immature as a result.

"He doesn't have any disabilities; he's just immature," Toby Hawkins said.

[Floogeldy]

38. Then you agree with me.

His mother did not say that the child is mentally deficient or slow.

Thanks.

B-)

[auntAgonist]

45. that is correct.

We agree.

[SoCalDem]

53. ..."Brennan’s mom said, “He was nine weeks premature." ...

VIDEO: Derrick Blakely reports.

Jun 21, 2005 8:52 pm US/Central

(CBS 2) The family of a missing Utah Boy Scout calls it a miracle. Search teams found eleven-year-old Brennan Hawkins on Tuesday. He's been listed in good condition at a Utah hospital after being spotted near Lilly Lake, northeast of Salt Lake City. CBS 2's Derrick Blakley says that's about five miles from the Boy Scout camp where he was last seen on Friday.

snip......

"Brennan’s mom said, “He was nine weeks premature." It was a difficult pregnancy and he was not supposed to live beyond one day old. He taught us before he was even born many things and he has been our teacher ever since.”

It was a volunteer who discovered the boy, a Salt Lake City house painter. He says Brennan saw the searchers on horseback, but didn't want to come out at first. He was a little scared, and a little delirious.

Just how he survived, or whether he tried to find his way back isn't known as yet. Authorities will let him rest awhile before questioning him.

[Floogeldy]

64. So where do the "mentally deficient" and "slow" parts come in?

Hmmm?

[SoCalDem]

94. In the family "gaggle" interview, they said that he

was a bit deplayed due to his extreme prematurity.. I remember thinking it was odd that they would talk like that with HIM THERE..

He's probably a very "protected" child most of the time, and it's odd that people were jot watching him better in the scout trip.

[alphafemale]

95. Why the Hell, Didn't they Tell Rescuers the Password THEN!!!

:mad:

[auntAgonist]

104. geez ... You're absolutely right.

that never crossed my mind and I've not seen that from anyone else.

[mzteris]

121. the article I read

She specifically said he WASN'T ** developmentally delayed..** just "socially immature". Did they finally "admit" it?

I was hoping she was just "embarassed" by his disability (the lesser of two evils) and not deluding herself into believing what she's saying.

The child obviously needs as much therapeutic assistance as he can get.

I don't think one needs to be embarassed - but I have neighbors who are still lying to themselves about their son's autism. They think 6 is "too young" to diagnose such a thing. *We* knew when we met them 4 years ago. They "found out" when he started Kindergarten this year but refuse to accept it. They say he's just "immature", too. (sigh) Meanwhile - he's getting zero therapy.

[Lex]

4. They seemed really, really proud that the kid hid from the rescuers

and hiked 5 miles away from where he was lost.

"We told him not to talk to strangers and to stay on the trial--and he did BOTH!"

Weird.

However, I AM glad the kid finally got so hungry and thirsty that he got the attention of a rescuer.

[Floogeldy]

6. What is your source for this information?

Thanks.

B-)

[BikeWriter]

7. So, you were much smarter than him when you were a kid?

[kanrok]

12. Yep. I like to think so

But my background is slightly different. I grew up in a big city. Had older siblings and cousins around to "teach" me. In some ways the city is more dangerous than the backwoods. At 11, in the summer, I was taking a bus downtown (with other friends) practically every day to go swimming in Lake Michigan. Was taught to navigate my way around Chicago early on. Also knew enough to distinguish between people who would help from those who would harm. A "radar" if you will. So, I guess the answer to your question is an unqualified "yes." You?

[BikeWriter]

16. So go ahead and bash a little lost kid. DU rules forbid my saying more.

[kanrok]

18. Who's bashing?

Maybe you should read my post and not read into it. You seem a tad hostile. If this thread disturbs you, just ignore it.

[BikeWriter]

25. Yes, I get hostile when I see what I feel are needless attacks...

against innocent children. No, I will not ignore it.

[kanrok]

30. How do you get that I'm attacking anybody?

It's an honest observation. Nothing more, nothing less. if you believe I'm attacking, your mistaken.

[ulysses]

32. the phrase "mentally deficient" might be a clue.

:shrug:

[BikeWriter]

37. You noticed that, huh?

:(

[ulysses]

40. I doubt we're the only ones.

proud2Blib and I both teach special ed.

I think it's very possible, as she suggests, that this kid could be autistic. If so, his doing as well as he did is a pretty damned fine thing.

[BikeWriter]

43. Superb, thank you. One of my best Friend's children is autistic...

You deserve a medal for working with them!

[kanrok]

44. I'm open to suggestions

What might be a more politically correct way to ask this question? :shrug:

[BikeWriter]

49. PUT DOWN YOUR KEYBOARD AND BACK AWAY SLOWLY...

Just my opinion...

[ulysses]

55. I suppose it depends on what you're really trying to ask.

Is your implication that he's stupid? Then ask that.

Is your implication that he's retarded? Then ask that, and have the balls to foresake the misguided and even more offensive "mentally deficient" label.

For the record, if your implication is that his intellectual ability is sufficiently below standard by your own considered judgment, the current term is "intellectually disabled". It's not a term to be thrown around lightly, particularly by someone who doesn't know the child in question.

[BikeWriter]

57. Very diplomatic, thank you. :-)

[ulysses]

59. oh, you have no idea

how pissed off I am.

[BikeWriter]

63. Uh huh, me too.

:toast:

[kanrok]

65. Nope....not stupid

and not "intellectually disabled". I don't like the term "retarded" and I felt that "mentally deficient" was the best description I could come up with. I don't perceive this term to be offensive in the least. At least not in the spirit in which I was using it. I listened to the Mom say how they taught the boy to stay away from strangers and keep on the path. Then I saw the boy on TV and it struck me that he has some kind of problem. It goes well beyond being "shy" from my perspective. He was sitting on the ground and hiding from the cameras. The thing that struck me was the fact that he was camping in a very dangerous area and it is forseeable that he would become lost. I think I became a tad perturbed with the parents for not preparing him better. I am serious about this question, hence the use of the word "serious" in my original post.

[BikeWriter]

68. "He was a little scared, and a little delirious." A reason to ask if...

He is "mentally deficient?" I think not.


"It was a volunteer who discovered the boy, a Salt Lake City house painter. He says Brennan saw the searchers on horseback, but didn't want to come out at first. He was a little scared, and a little delirious."

[kanrok]

77. Good point.

But you must have missed the part about seeing him on TV. He looked like he was (whatever the politically correct word for "slow" is). On CNN this afternoon there was a press conference. His Mom was talking and he was sitting at the base of the microphone "hiding." Maybe he's just "shy", but this in conjunciton with him avoiding rescuers seems somewhat odd. It goes back to the parents IMHO. The kid's out in dangerous country and it's forseeable that he would become lost. Why not advise him that it's a good idea under those circumstances to come out when someone is calling. Admittedly, this is somewhat speculative, but if he was truly "following the path" then it is virtually certain that rescuers were not only looking for him there, but calling out for him as well.

[BikeWriter]

82. This is all Monday morning quarterbacking. I defy you to tell us...

of one time you have given a child an intense briefing on safety matters and protocols about meeting "friendly" strangers before an outing. So the kid is reticent on national TV, * often misspeaks himself!

[uppityperson]

86. I have. But then I live in the woods.

And spent time in the AK bush in bear country with my young child. I also talked with my friends kids before going hiking in the WA mts too. That is why I don't understand this boy hiding that long.

Mr.bush misspeaks but doesn't misunderestimate himself and is a twit.

[ulysses]

87. not in Chicago?

However will you survive?

[uppityperson]

90. No way. I don't think I'd survive Chicago.

But I have given young people talks about surviving in the wilderness before going out hiking. My child always had survival gear along, and was instructed what to do if lost as were his peerss by their parents. This is why I don't understand about this boy hiding that long. Perhaps I am cautious in a different way, as well as being uppity.

[ulysses]

92. I was taught not to talk to strangers.

I managed to survive two treks through Philmont as a Scout, as well as years of camping trips with folks who had a variety of experiences. I'm decently well-versed in survival in the backcountry. For this kid to have done so for four days on his own is to have done pretty well, even if he has no disability.

[uppityperson]

93. I was taught ok to talk to strangers when you were lost or need help

In general it is ok to talk to strangers, just don't go with them or give them personal information. It is ok to talk to strangers when you get lost. And yes, the boy did well to survive that long. I wish he'd been picked up sooner as it would've been much less stressful for everyone involved. He did well and I am glad he survived.

[BikeWriter]

89. Okay, so you've spent time in bear country, as I have. You're hardly...

the average parent, nor are you Kanrok. I'm wondering what his answer will be. Whatever it is I see nothing gained through an in depth discussion about whether a missing child is "mentally deficient."

[patcox2]

122. I see something gained.

Ommitting relevant information leads to false impressions. Millions of people see this story, and it willinfluence their perception of scouting, of outdoor activities, of the effcicacy of rescuers, of many things.

I could see parents, for example, scared by what happened here, refusing to allow their child to participate in similar activities.

But if the truth here is that what happened is partly caused not by inherent risks associated with outdoor activities, or by failures in the boy scout program, or by negligence of rescuers, but rather by the child's disability, if any, then that is a piece of information that is critically necessary in order to assess what lesson is to be learned from this.

And the degree of political correctness and hypersensitivity being displayed by the media failing to report this relevant fact and by people like you screeching that it is verboten to even acknowledge the facts (lest pretend it doesn't exist, thats it, if we all close our eyes and pretend, then all the children will be above average here in Lake Wobegone)is ludicrous.

[uppityperson]

125. Thank you. There was a problem, WHAT was the problem?

Thank you patcox2 for stating this as clearly as you have.

The problem is not that the kid survived. That was the good thing. He did very well to survive this long outside on his own. I am not questioning anything about him to snark at him, or his parents, or the rescuers or anyone. What I want to know is how this happened, what happened, how it can be prevented.

I can see people being so afraid that they will not let their kids go camping because they might get lost, or might be kidnapped, and what with all the media coverage and talk about this incident, knowing what happened why can help people avoid this and still be able to participate in safety and comfort.

[ulysses]

69. your concern for the child overwhelms.

What, exactly, *did* you mean by "mentally deficient"?

Then I saw the boy on TV and it struck me that he has some kind of problem.

What kind of problem might that be, do you think?

I think I became a tad perturbed with the parents for not preparing him better.

The question of preparation sort of depends on the kind of problem you've diagnosed. What do you suggest?

[uppityperson]

66. Please realize that not every non-PC way of talking is meant wrongly

Sometimes people don't post in the most pc manner, don't use the best proper words. I have asked questions and made comments which were not phrased or worded exactly politically politely correctly also, not to be nasty or mean, but because the thought needed to get asked or commented on and/or because I didn't know the pc terminology. I have been called on it, and it bugs me to see a question get ignored because people are jumping on the incorrectness of a word and ignoring the rest of the question/comment.

I have not followed this poster to see if this is standard practice, using offensive phrases, or if this is just a fast question, non-pc phrasing.

If it is a standard behavior, I apologize. If not, look at the bigger question of why did this kid hide from his rescuers for days. I know that bad things happen to people, but this seems a bit excessive. Thank you for reading this through and responding respectfully.

[ulysses]

79. I recognize that.

However, in 2005, I have to question the use of the phrase "mentally deficient". Questioning that isn't a "PC" issue.

If not, look at the bigger question of why did this kid hide from his rescuers for days.

As I've posted on this thread, it seems entirely possible to me that this child is autistic. I don't know that for a certainty, nor am I likely to. It's a possibility, one that would explain his reluctance to approach rescuers. It's not one that would justify his characterization in the OP.

[bloom]

80. I did a google for ya'

The University of Michigan refers to it (having an autism spectrum disorder / including not being conversant) as a Communication Disorder

(If that is what in fact the boy has. It is possible that he could have Asperger's and these symptoms and the family would not be aware of it. It happens. It also does not mean that the boy would be considered "mentally deficient" or "slow". As I suggested down thread - he might be the smartest one in the room. My daughter usually is - and she rarely talks to anyone, either).


Adult Asperger/Autism Social Group

The Adult Social Group is a group for adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome. Adult "peers" who do not have autism, are included in the group, primarily to serve as models of appropriate social skills. The primary goal of the group is to provide an environment in which adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) can meet and develop relationships with others while also working on their social skills (e.g. conversational ability) and practical life skills (e.g. applying for a job).

http://www.umaccweb.com/clinical_services/adult.html



Looks like they have groups for various ages. Looks like a good program.

The incidence of autism spectrum disorders has been increasing dramatically. It's good for people to know about. (A lot of people on DU are familiar with it for various reasons).

[BikeWriter]

36. Sure, and the word is "you're."

[kanrok]

42. Oh, I see...not only are you clairvoyant

but your a grammarian to boot. My, we certainly are blessed by "your" presence.

[BikeWriter]

48. Thank you. I am also an asshole, but I'm not exceedingly rare...

I'm just saying...

[kanrok]

51. Well, at least we agree on one thing

;-)

[BikeWriter]

54. Not a problem, lots of folks here know I'm an asshole, but...

some of them respect me.

[kanrok]

58. I can respect an asshole that stands up for people bashing kids

Even if he's wrong.

[ulysses]

60. self-respect is a wonderful thing.

.

[BikeWriter]

61. That is your opinion, one not shared by everyone in this thread.

[Floogeldy]

29. YOU are bashing.

[kanrok]

31. Oh Puhleeeze

How, exactly? What about the tone or the content of my post makes you think I'm bashing anybody. Be specific.

[Floogeldy]

47. Was that kid brilliant? Great instincts? Intelligent? Insightful?

He is obviously superior to his so-called peers.

He survived 4 days in the woods, avoiding dangers and overcoming conditions. He adapted and lived.

Smart fellow, and superior to most.

Way to go, young man.

Pay no attention to the "mentally deficient" and "slow" accusers.

LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!

B-)

[ulysses]

17. this sounds familiar.

City mouse vs. Country mouse.

[Name removed]

26. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[kanrok]

34. And thank you for the non sequiter

[Floogeldy]

50. LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"I grew up in a big city."

:rofl:

[kanrok]

52. You've got a strange sense of humor

[Floogeldy]

56. Not as strange as your sense of reality.

:rofl:

[aeolian]

127. Yes.

:eyes:

[tuvor]

9. Even if he weren't "slow"...

...how bright would YOU be after four days lost in the forest?

[BikeWriter]

14. Oh well, I'm sure some of the kid's detractors would have...

manufactured short wave radios out of the contents of their pockets. All this poor little lost kid did was survive! :shrug:

[elshiva]

11. So the boy is mentally slow, so what?

Strangers can do some sick things with little boys. How was he supposed to know that they were going to help him or not? To me the boy acted as well, if not better than expected. He survived and is not hurt (I hope).

[kanrok]

15. So nothing, it's an observation

The kid looks like he has some developmental problems based upon the way he was reacting in the video I've seen of him. As a parent, I am interested about how kids learn to survive in the real world. I am also slightly perturbed with his parents for not preparing him better. Maybe that's a tad harsh, but in reality, the kid was in a pretty darned hostile environment. Further, it's forseeable that he could get lost. Your point?

[elshiva]

21. My point is/was that maybe his avoiding strangers was for

the best? As I wrote before people DO do things with little boys that are terrible. Yes, he should have been better prepared, but the whole avoiding strangers is a difficult one. Certainly, a sweet, innocent boy like that would be like candy to a sexual predator. BUT, I do understand your point that it COULD HAVE helped him. It's just a dilemma and it's hard to prepare a boy that little and slow for a complicated world.

[Tsiyu]

97. Thank you, Elshiva!

As I read all the speculation, I keep asking, "What planet do a few of these adults live on?"

Do you know how preyed upon little kids are? It's a scary world when you are in it alone. He thought back to his parents' rules, stayed on the trail and didn't talk to strangers. The parents reported this on CBS and ABC, I believe.

They were explaining his behavior, not "proud" over it, but still seeing the humor in his literal interpretation, no doubt amazed he had actually listened but also no doubt wishing they had elaborated a bit.

Working in Pediatrics, my for crap opinion is that the kid was in shock and dehydrated, which does tend to hinder rational thought.

But the babe did better than many adults do. So put that in your deficient pipe and smoke it.

And thanks for pointing out what should be obvious, Elshiva. You mentally proficient thang, you....

[ulysses]

13. probably very scared.

I've seen plenty of kids in less dangerous situations behave less rationally. I haven't seen their intellectual ability questioned.

[Floogeldy]

19. What is your source?

What is your source for the assertions that he hid from rescuers because his parents taught him not to talk to strangers?

[auntAgonist]

23. source.

http://www.ksbitv.com/home/1620467.html

Brennan's mother, Jody Hawkins, suggested her son may have been avoiding searchers by following his father's advice.

"He had two thoughts going through his head all the time," she said. "Toby's always told him that 'if you get lost, stay on the trail.' So he stayed on the trail.

"We've also told him don't talk to strangers. ... When an ATV or horse came by, he got off the trail. ... When they left, he got back on the trail."

"His biggest fear, he told me, was someone would steal him," she said.

[Swede]

24. Yesterday on CNN the family had a press conference.

Twice he evaded people on horseback. The parents taught him to "avoid strangers but stay on the path" which is what he did.

[yvr girl]

20. My friend refused a ride home from her kindergarten teacher

in a snow storm because she wasn't supposed to accept rides from strangers.

When you're really little it's hard to make judgement calls.

(My friend is far from slow, btw.)

[BikeWriter]

41. ...and your friend evidently survived...

I was taught to mind my parents like that. At that age I'd have been waiting for my Mom and Dad to find me, and they would have, too!

[ulysses]

27. what might be your point?

While it's not miraculous, an eleven-year-old surviving without food or water for four days in backcountry is no mean feat. It'd have taken less time to find him if he hadn't hidden from searchers, but plenty of *adults* would have shrieked their way off the edge of a cliff when they realized they were in a similar predicament. The kid did well...especially if he is "slow". :eyes:

[BikeWriter]

33. Yeah, but Kanrok would have done so much better than that 11 year old!

:sarcasm:

[Floogeldy]

81. He would have done great.

In Chicago.

[BikeWriter]

105. I'm not sure how he'd do lost in Texas.

[kanrok]

116. Oh I don't know

If George Bush can thrive down there, I'm thinking it's probably not that hard to do the same.

[BikeWriter]

120. He had Poppie's and Ken Lay's money working for him, though.

[kanrok]

126. Good point.

Think they'll float me a loan?

[BikeWriter]

128. Not unless you're a repuglican and can do something for them.

[bloom]

28. People can

have personality types where they are less social (or whatever) and be anything but "slow".

They might be the smartest ones in the room.

You just wouldn't know.

[proud2BlibKansan]

35. My friend thinks he's autistic

Her kid has autism and she says this kid looks just like her son.

[bloom]

39. I wondered about that.... eom

[Shakespeare]

123. I wondered the same thing--when he was finally rescued, he...

...completely withdrew by playing a video game on a rescuer's cell phone (which, I think, is a trait (socially withdrawing when under stress) common to autistic children). There's something not quite "right" about the situation, whether the child is autistic, mentally disabled or perhaps even abused.

[uppityperson]

46. I wondered if he was (whatever the PC word is) also.

I also wondered if he was just very afraid and why he was scared enough, worried about being stolen so much that he would hide from his rescuers. If the young people in my family were lost in the woods, they would not go with strangers, but would talk with them after a couple days. I wondered also.

[Floogeldy]

67. Let us drop you into the woods for a couple of days . . .

. . . with no food, water, shelter, toilet, friends, family, phone, etc. . . .

Then, you can have the chance to explain to all of us if you got scared or afraid, and why.

Unbelievable.

[uppityperson]

70. I would be scared and afraid. So would the youngsters I know.

Of course I and they would be afraid, scared. However, neither I nor they would not hide from the people searching for them. Getting lost happens. Having people searching for you happens too and they are prepared to be found and not hide. I am sorry you find this hard to believe. I am sorry that it took so long to find this person and am really glad it turned out ok.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

71. I suspect most 11 yr. olds of normal intelligence would figure out after

a while that maybe they better take a chance with the friendly looking horse people or else starve. That's just my take.

My guess is either autistic or somewhat developmentally delayed. Who knows.

[Lex]

73. Probably after 4 days, his hunger and thirst got the best of him

and he gave himself up to a rescuer, whereas before he had been actively hiding from them apparently.

[Floogeldy]

74. Take another, even wilder guess.

[WhollyHeretic]

72. Jeez, it was just some wondering

I don't see any malicious intent. People can't even ask questions about something?

[Floogeldy]

75. Let's put it this way

I'm not wondering.

[WhollyHeretic]

78. That's great for you.

[Shakespeare]

124. Bully for you, but that doesn't mean the rest of us aren't allowed....

....to have opinions. :eyes:

[uppityperson]

76. Usually the lounge doesn't get like this.

welcome to DU by the way.

[WhollyHeretic]

83. Thanks for the welcome

:hi:

[Floogeldy]

84. Don't let it get to you

It is very rare that posters on this board characterize young boys who get lost in the wilderness as "retards."

It is probably just a passing fancy.

[Bluebear]

102. Gee, it's "scary" in here!

:bounce:

[uppityperson]

107. oooooooooooooo

Better scary than nasty. Or snarky. Or uppity? ooOOOoooooOOOoooo

[BikeWriter]

85. You can ask questions about most anything here. If you choose...

an unpopular stance, please be prepared to support it intelligently.

[kanrok]

88. Well goodnight all

Like to stay some more, but I have other people to piss off in the morning. To all those who maintain that they know what I'm asking better than I do, may I make a suggestion? two words: Dale Carnegie.

[BikeWriter]

91. I have a few choice words for you too, but I will reserve them...

:)

[NMMNG]

96. According to the family he doesn't have any disabilities

Brennan's mother, Jody Hawkins, suggested her son may have been avoiding searchers by following his father's advice.

"He had two thoughts going through his head all the time," she said. "Toby's always told him that 'if you get lost, stay on the trail.' So he stayed on the trail.

"We've also told him don't talk to strangers. ... When an ATV or horse came by, he got off the trail. ... When they left, he got back on the trail."

*snip*

Brennan's uncle, Bob Hawkins, said his nephew may have been afraid to contact the strangers because they weren't using the password his family had adopted.

The family explained that Brennan was born prematurely and he is socially immature as a result.

"He doesn't have any disabilities; he's just immature," Toby Hawkins said.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/06/22/missing.scout/


Even if the child had a mental disability ("was slow" as some might call it), so what? That is certainly nothing to deride him for. Any of us could easily become "slow" at any moment...it's as easy as a fall down the stairs, a car accident or a stray bullet from a gun.

[Tsiyu]

98. Can you say "Shock and Dehydration?"

I thought you could!

How about a little research into the effects of each, then both together? Throw in a little fear and see how well you react to the world around you....

[BikeWriter]

108. I know a forty year old hunter who was thoroughly demoralized...

by spending a night lost in the woods. This man was armed to the teeth, had a flashlight, a compass, a canteen, and warm clothing. He admitted he near panicked. To debate whether a child is "mentally deficient" for being lost is... Well, I can't say that.

[Tsiyu]

109. Yeah, say it. It's kinda Snarky

in my very, very humble opinion.

[BikeWriter]

111. My choice of words is much more insensitive than that, I'm afraid.

[Tsiyu]

112. I know, but I took an antihistamine for my allergies

and I can't get the word 'snark' out of my head... or perhaps Kitchen Witch hath cast a spell....

Kudos for stickin up for the kid ;) People who stick up for kids are way sexy.....:P

[BikeWriter]

113. Thank you.

[KitchenWitch]

100. Good idea, slam the poor kid

I am sure he was confused, as well as being lost. Not to mention dehydrated, and therefore mentally not at his best.

For crying out loud, he is a NINE YEAR OLD. Even adults in his situation do not exhibit the most sound judgement. Give the kid a break.

[Bluebear]

101. The parents themselves said he was a "little slow"

"The couple said their son was born prematurely, and they described him as immature and a little slow, but not mentally disabled."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5092014,00.html

What the facts are, they are. It's no slam that the poor kid might have special needs.

[uppityperson]

103. Exactly. Poorly worded question, but as GreenJ said up above:

"Jeez, it was just some wondering
I don't see any malicious intent. People can't even ask questions about something?"

[BikeWriter]

106. Thank you, Ma'am.

[Tsiyu]

110. Talk about the snark factor.....

to the billionth degree...:shrug:

[madeline_con]

114. I wondered, too.

Didn't the parents ask that reporters' questions not be directed toward him?

I heard the news from the other room at the time, wasn't sure.

[Deja Q]

117. Must be a paranoid village.

You never know anymore who is real and who is out to cheat/steal/molest/kill you.

[Shell Beau]

119. Well, when the mom was interviewed on GMA,

she said something that made me feel that he wasn't mentally where most children his age are. I can't remember what she said though! He was a very scared little boy. I can't imagine how he must have felt all alone out there in the wilderness. It breaks my heart for the boy. I don't know if I would call it "mentally deficient".

[Midlodemocrat]

129. Locking

This thread has turned into a flamefest and has outlived its usefulness.

Thank you.

DU Moderator.