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Jack Begins To Learn (Industry versus Inferiority)
Jack (age 7), autistic, goes to his elementary school, where he will learn academic and social skills. His teachers meet his needs and teach him with kindness and patience, fostering a healthful climate that will help him readily expand his knowledge and try to fit in with his neurotypical peers. In Erikson's fourth stage, children widen their social circles and gain the knowledge required by their culture. Proper encouragement and teaching will lead to competence; inferiority otherwise results. -
Jack Discovers Himself (Identity versus Identity Confusion)
Jack (age 19) nears emerging adulthood, and his identity becomes clear. He is a diligent academic, who desires to be brimful of knowledge and apply such knowledge in a vocation to help others; and an "old soul," who loves classical music, word puzzles, and dated fashion. He hopes to become a meteorologist. In Erikson's fifth stage, the crisis is between developing a strong sense of who you are and how you fit in your culture (identity) or failing to find such identity (identity confusion). -
Jack's Solitude
Jack, nearing age 30, has yet to find a partner with whom he can blend his identity. He has encountered several hindrances, among them difficulty socializing and dedication to his vocation. Jack doubts that he will stay alone, so long as he overcomes his setbacks. In Erikson's sixth stage, intimacy versus isolation, young adults make their identities vulnerable by entering a committed relationship that may last for life (intimacy). If this does not occur, adults remain alone (isolation).