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In Isolation
For the first 13 years of her life, Genie lived in isolation from the outside world. She was chained to a potty chair and was still wearing diapers when she was found. Nobody had ever spoken a word to her. -
Children's Hospital at UCLA
Genie was taken to the children's hospital at UCLA to be rehabilitated and studied by psychologists. She did not speak, had difficulties walking and had animal-like mannerisms. -
The First Step
Scientists did not know how to study Genie, as she was the first person in the modern era to have such an extreme case of isolation. They decided she needed to begin to form relationships. A few of the researchers were designated to be with her at all times. She began to show signs of improvement. -
Learning to Tie Her Shoes
As Genie was learning to tie her shoes, she said her first word: Doctor. This was a huge step. -
Theories
Many psychologists were eager to study Genie. She was the key for them to make a mark in the world of psychology. Theories about if we were born with language abilities or developed them could be studied. -
1st Foster Parent
On of the psychologists studying Genie volunteered to be her surrogate parent. They wanted to have Genie in as much of a stable environment as possible. This man would go to all of her tests and studies, be there when she woke up and when she went to sleep. -
Moving In
In the summer after they first found her, Genie moved in with her teacher, Dr. Butler. This was another opportunity at a stable environment. However, Dr. Butler did not permit other scientists to study Genie, ending her stay at the house. -
2nd Foster Parent
Genie moved in with another scientist and his wife for four years. -
New Skills
Genie was showing major improvement. She was learning basic words and actions. They taught her jumping and marching, how to control her anger, and how to use words to explain past events. When Genie was learning language, it was different vocabulary than babies who first learn language. -
Sign Language
Doctors began to teach Genie American Sign Language -
Funding Ran Out
The National Institute of Mental Heath stopped funding to Genie's case. They believed the researchers were not getting valuable evidence from their studies. -
Back Home
Genie's mother was detained after her discovery and her father committed suicide. When her mother was released from jail, she wanted Genie back. Since the funds ran out, the researchers had no choice but to move Genie. She suffered from more abuse, and was eventually moved out of the home because her mother could not handle her care. -
Foster Homes
Genie moved from home to home, suffering serve abuse. This put Genie back into the children's hospital. They discovered she regressed back into silence. -
Lawsuit
Genie's mother sued the scientists working with Genie for exploiting her for "prestige and profit." It was settled, but all scientists were banned from seeing her. -
Today
Genie is living in an undisclosed adult care facility in Southern California. She still remains one of the most famous psychological studies.