The interesting story of "Genie" Susan Wiley

"Genie" is the nickname given to wild girl Susan Wiley, who grew up in isolation and was discovered in 1970 at the age of 13 by California authorities.

Genie spent her first 13 years locked in her bedroom, without any contact with the outside world. Her parents, who were mentally disturbed, locked her up in her room and did not allow the rest of the family to contact her. At night she sleeps in a nursery for infants and her mouth is artificially blocked with tape. Her father used to frighten her with barking and dog barking, which made her almost mute, and managed to say only a few basic words.

On November 4, 1970, Genie, accompanied by her mother, arrived at the Welfare Ministry. The social worker at the place was convinced Genie was six or seven, and because of her behavior she thought she had autism, but the mother told her that her real age was 13 years. The shocked worker summoned the police.

Genie was taken to a hospital for children, and her parents were charged with abuse. Shortly after the case was revealed, the father committed suicide.

Externally, Genie looked small to her age, and behaved as mentally retarded. She had developed such a sloppy, unsteady walk of a rabbit, and to keep it steady she kept her hands on the front of her body. She used to spit frequently, as if she were a baby. She could not learn new words, put together sentences or converse, and became the focus of interest for psychologists and scientists who discussed whether there was a critical age for language acquisition.

Later Genie had to move into a foster home. The first foster family was Gene Butler's family, who treated her at the hospital. She had jealously guarded Genie's privacy, and had not allowed the staff to look after her. The research team was concerned about the girl's presence with Butler, and said she hoped her treatment of Genie would make her famous.

Later she was taken to another foster family, where she learned to paint, smile and even speak a little, both in English and sign language.

In 1975, the mother (who was acquitted) wanted to continue her care, but the treatment was difficult and she transferred her to foster care again.

Today Genie is in a hostel in California, whose location has not been published to protect her privacy.

The movie "Mockingbird Don't Sing" is based on her story.

I really recommend watching this movie!