Introduction
I recently did an assignment for my Developmental Psychology module. The assignment was about a feral child, who was known as the "wild boy of aveyron" and latter became known as Victor. For those that don't know, a feral child is a child who has not yet encountered normal social interaction, and who has not yet acquired language acquisition.
VICTORS LIFE
It was assumed that Victor was an autistic child, because of misconceptions regarding Autism during the 1970's - 1980's Victors caregivers attempted to kill him by slicing his throat and dumping his body in the woods. Against all odds Victor managed to survive this harsh cowardly act of cruelty. Victor adapted to his environment, some might say Victor was "raised by animals". From the age of barely being able to think until around 12 years old when Victor was found, he spent most of his infant and all of his childhood years in the woods.
WHEN VICTOR WAS FOUND
When Victor was found, his behavior can be defined as that of an animal. He was seen walking on all fours. He has mostly lived off nuts and potatoes, and that is all he would eat. He could not speak at all, he was seen making unintelligible sounds like growling. He did not know the social function of using the bathroom, instead he would go whenever and wherever he was at that moment.
VICTORS TREATMENT
Jean Marc Gaspard Itard attempted to teach Victor language and Empathy which he believed were the main characteristics that distinguished human beings from animals. He succeeded with regards to teaching Victor Empathy, however teaching Victor language did not succeed. This was assumed because Victor missed his critical period for language acquisition. Victor ended up living the rest of his life under the care of Itards housekeeper, he died at the age of 40.
The nature versus nurture debate
During the 1970's - 1980's enlightenment people were concerned with what distinguishes humans from animals. This was a time of the nature versus nurture debate. Victor along with many more feral children offered psychologists and scientists create insight into the powerful influence of both nature and nurture.
BBC Podcast
The BBC link to the story can be found here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00b7lrb