Re: Manipulation and overly trusting nature in AS children

[Guest guest]

Gabi,

I've got no help but can't wait to hear some resonses and help.

Ahhhhh, Laughter................

Robin

From: social.buterfly@... <social.buterfly@...>Subject: ( ) Manipulation and overly trusting nature in AS children Date: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 12:09 PM

I don't post often but I do try to keep up and have learned so much by being a part of this list. I want to thank you and ask for advice/input.My son is 15 and he still is very trusting of people, to the point where he is easily manipulated by people. I see certain people in his life taking advantage of this and I'm frightened that something bad will happen down the road. I don't want him to be totally distrustful of people but there is that fine line between trusting people and being a complete sucker, ya know? I mean the kid is old enough that he shouldn't believe someone when they tell him they can fly, right? So ideas on how to help him?? What to say or how to explain it to him?Thanks-Gabi

[Guest guest]

Hi gaby-

I feel your pain. This is an ongoing challenge I see in my

daughter, particularly with one girl who she considers to be her friend.

What I have tried to do is roll play at home. I had to

teach megan, what a lie was by demonstrating with example after example. Pointing

out a lie when observed on tv or in real life. She now believes that

people lie and only beginning to understand fully why they lie.

manipulation is a tricky one, and I have used examples at home. there are

so many possibilities and situations, you can’t hit them all, so having a

dialogue about instincts is important. my daughter loves animals so this

concept was easier to get across to her by watching animal planet or discovery

which show many situations where animals use their instincts to live—to get

food, to sense danger. I purchased a book from michelle winners

website socialthinking.com entitled “socially curious and curiously

social”. it’s geared toward teen issues for teen reading—(including

discussion on sex—so if you get the book, you can decide if that part is

right for your son). it includes social situation red flags. For

example, if a group of kids approach you and start making nice, it usually

doesn’t mean they want to be your friend. it was good reading for

megan and because it wasn’t coming from me, she paid attention.

Regards, melody

From:

[mailto: ] On

Behalf Of social.buterfly@...

Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 10:09 AM

Subject: ( ) Manipulation and overly trusting nature in

AS children

I don't post often but I do try to

keep up and have learned so much by being a part of this list. I

want to thank you and ask for advice/input.

My son is 15 and he still is very trusting of people, to the point

where he is easily manipulated by people. I see certain people in his

life taking advantage of this and I'm frightened that something bad will

happen down the road. I don't want him to be totally distrustful of

people but there is that fine line between trusting people and being a

complete sucker, ya know? I mean the kid is old enough that he

shouldn't believe someone when they tell him they can fly, right?

So ideas on how to help him?? What to say or how to explain it to

him?

Thanks-

Gabi

[Guest guest]

Thanks! At least that gives me a starting point. Unfortunately there are adults in his life that manipulate him too. :-(GabiFrom: Melody Kalomiris <mkalomiris@...> Sent: Thu, April 22, 2010 10:59:29 AMSubject: RE:

( ) Manipulation and overly trusting nature in AS children

Hi gaby- I feel your pain. This is an ongoing challenge I see in my

daughter, particularly with one girl who she considers to be her friend. What I have tried to do is roll play at home. I had to

teach megan, what a lie was by demonstrating with example after example. Pointing

out a lie when observed on tv or in real life. She now believes that

people lie and only beginning to understand fully why they lie.

manipulation is a tricky one, and I have used examples at home. there are

so many possibilities and situations, you can’t hit them all, so having a

dialogue about instincts is important. my daughter loves animals so this

concept was easier to get across to her by watching animal planet or discovery

which show many situations where animals use their instincts to live—to get

food, to sense danger. I purchased a book from michelle winners

website socialthinking. com entitled “socially curious and curiously

socialâ€. it’s geared toward teen issues for teen reading—(including

discussion on sex—so if you get the book, you can decide if that part is

right for your son). it includes social situation red flags. For

example, if a group of kids approach you and start making nice, it usually

doesn’t mean they want to be your friend. it was good reading for

megan and because it wasn’t coming from me, she paid attention. Regards, melody

From:

[mailto:AspergersSu pport@group s.com] On

Behalf Of social.buterfly

Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 10:09 AM

Subject: ( ) Manipulation and overly trusting nature in

AS children

I don't post often but I do try to

keep up and have learned so much by being a part of this list. I

want to thank you and ask for advice/input.

My son is 15 and he still is very trusting of people, to the point

where he is easily manipulated by people. I see certain people in his

life taking advantage of this and I'm frightened that something bad will

happen down the road. I don't want him to be totally distrustful of

people but there is that fine line between trusting people and being a

complete sucker, ya know? I mean the kid is old enough that he

shouldn't believe someone when they tell him they can fly, right?

So ideas on how to help him?? What to say or how to explain it to

him?

Thanks-

Gabi

[Guest guest]

Hi,I identify with your son, I am a "sucker" but I have to tell you that sometimes being a "sucker" has helped me a great deal. Most people have a good heart and they will not take advantage of your son, others will take advantage of him. That is impossible to avoid...Your son will learn from experience, there is no too much you can do to protect him. Children never listen to us, they know everything....LOL.I have this story to tell you. One day I stopped at a farming store in South Hadley. There was nobody there and the cash register was open with money. There was a sign that says "Please help yourself, we are busy working in the farm, please put the money in the cash register after your purchase". I was surprised...I bough some vegetables and I made sure I put the right amount of money in the cash register....It felt so good to know that still there are people that trust other people...I inquired about the store and I found out that the store have not been robbed yet.... ( ) Manipulation and overly trusting nature in AS childrenI don't post often but I do try to keep up and have learned so much by being a part of this list. I want to thank you and ask for advice/input.My son is 15 and he still is very trusting of people, to the point where he is easily manipulated by people. I see certain people in his life taking advantage of this and I'm frightened that something bad will happen down the road. I don't want him to be totally distrustful of people but there is that fine line between trusting people and being a complete sucker, ya know? I mean the kid is old enough that he shouldn't believe someone when they tell him they can fly, right? So ideas on how to help him?? What to say or how to explain it to him?Thanks-Gabi

[Guest guest]

Wow! That's quite a story and so nice to hear about.This is already becoming an issue though and unfortunately it's not just kids taking advantage. :-( And you are right I just want to stop it from happening and protect him but I seem unable to.From: "tfitzge134@..." <tfitzge134@...> Sent: Thu, April 22, 2010 2:42:20 PMSubject: Re: ( ) Manipulation and overly trusting nature in AS children

Hi,I identify with your son, I am a "sucker" but I have to tell you that sometimes being a "sucker" has helped me a great deal. Most people have a good heart and they will not take advantage of your son, others will take advantage of him. That is impossible to avoid...Your son will learn from experience, there is no too much you can do to protect him. Children never listen to us, they know everything....LOL.I have this story to tell you. One day I stopped at a farming store in South Hadley. There was nobody there and the cash register was open with money. There was a sign that says "Please help yourself, we are busy working in the farm, please put the money in the cash register after your purchase". I was surprised...I bough some vegetables and I made sure I put the right amount of money in the cash register....It

felt so good to know that still there are people that trust other people...I inquired about the store and I found out that the store have not been robbed yet.... ( ) Manipulation and overly trusting nature in AS childrenI don't post often but I do try to keep up and have learned so much by being a part of this list. I want to thank you and ask for advice/input.My son is 15 and he still is very trusting of people, to the point where he is easily manipulated by people. I see certain people in his life taking advantage of this and I'm frightened that something bad will happen down the road. I don't want him to be totally distrustful of people but there is that fine line between

trusting people and being a complete sucker, ya know? I mean the kid is old enough that he shouldn't believe someone when they tell him they can fly, right? So ideas on how to help him?? What to say or how to explain it to him?Thanks-Gabi

[Guest guest]

That is amazing! Good for them From: tfitzge134@...Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:42:20 +0000Subject: Re: ( ) Manipulation and overly trusting nature in AS children

Hi,I identify with your son, I am a "sucker" but I have to tell you that sometimes being a "sucker" has helped me a great deal. Most people have a good heart and they will not take advantage of your son, others will take advantage of him. That is impossible to avoid...Your son will learn from experience, there is no too much you can do to protect him. Children never listen to us, they know everything....LOL.I have this story to tell you. One day I stopped at a farming store in South Hadley. There was nobody there and the cash register was open with money. There was a sign that says "Please help yourself, we are busy working in the farm, please put the money in the cash register after your purchase". I was surprised...I bough some vegetables and I made sure I put the right amount of money in the cash register....It felt so good to know that still there are people that trust other people...I inquired about the store and I found out that the store have not been robbed yet.... ( ) Manipulation and overly trusting nature in AS childrenI don't post often but I do try to keep up and have learned so much by being a part of this list. I want to thank you and ask for advice/input.My son is 15 and he still is very trusting of people, to the point where he is easily manipulated by people. I see certain people in his life taking advantage of this and I'm frightened that something bad will happen down the road. I don't want him to be totally distrustful of people but there is that fine line between trusting people and being a complete sucker, ya know? I mean the kid is old enough that he shouldn't believe someone when they tell him they can fly, right? So ideas on how to help him?? What to say or how to explain it to him?Thanks-Gabi Hotmail is redefining busy with tools for the New Busy. Get more from your inbox. See how.

[Guest guest]

This is a very interesting story on NPR this afternoon about the " trust " hormone

oxytocin and a syndrome when it is really whack and the problems with kids who

are too trusting. It goes into one woman's struggle to teach her daughter to

" distrust. " Here is the link:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126141922

Sue in TN

>

> Wow! That's quite a story and so nice to hear about.

>

> This is already becoming an issue though and unfortunately it's not just kids

taking advantage. :-( And you are right I just want to stop it from happening

and protect him but I seem unable to.

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: " tfitzge134@... " <tfitzge134@...>

>

> Sent: Thu, April 22, 2010 2:42:20 PM

> Subject: Re: ( ) Manipulation and overly trusting nature in AS

children

>

>

> Hi,

>

> I identify with your son, I am a " sucker " but I have to tell you that

sometimes being a " sucker " has helped me a great deal. Most people have a good

heart and they will not take advantage of your son, others will take advantage

of him. That is impossible to avoid...

> Your son will learn from experience, there is no too much you can do to

protect him. Children never listen to us, they know everything....LOL.

>

> I have this story to tell you. One day I stopped at a farming store in South

Hadley. There was nobody there and the cash register was open with money. There

was a sign that says " Please help yourself, we are busy working in the farm,

please put the money in the cash register after your purchase " . I was

surprised...

> I bough some vegetables and I made sure I put the right amount of money in the

cash register....

> It felt so good to know that still there are people that trust other people...

> I inquired about the store and I found out that the store have not been robbed

yet....

>

> ( ) Manipulation and overly trusting nature in AS

children

>

> I don't post often but I do try to keep up and have learned so much by being a

part of this list. I want to thank you and ask for advice/input.

>

> My son is 15 and he still is very trusting of people, to the point where he

is easily manipulated by people. I see certain people in his life taking

advantage of this and I'm frightened that something bad will happen down the

road. I don't want him to be totally distrustful of people but there is that

fine line between trusting people and being a complete sucker, ya know? I mean

the kid is old enough that he shouldn't believe someone when they tell him they

can fly, right?

>

> So ideas on how to help him?? What to say or how to explain it to him?

>

> Thanks-

> Gabi

>

[Guest guest]

My daughter has these issues at school. A few of the girls in her class learned

last year that if they asked for anything my daughter would give it to them

because she is overly nice and wanting to please people. She gave away parts of

her lunch and toys. I taught her to quit giving people her lunch. Luckily it

was always her sweet snack part, but they learned this about her. I had to

teacher her that hre food is hers and she should not share with others because

she does not know if they are allergic to anything.

Today she secretly took to school some of her Littlest Pet Shop toys, one of the

other girls traded with her. gave her two and the other girl gave her

one. I was not happy when she told me, but I am not sure what to do. She is

10. Should I have her take back her 'new' toy and ask for hers back? Should I

talk to the teacher? Should I contact the parents? I don't really know this

girl. hasn't really talked about her before. was happy that

someone from her class wanted to trade with her, because most of the kids in her

class think she is odd. They do not understand how she is different.

For the future, I know I need to make her understand that not everyone who is

nice is honestly being nice and not taking advantage of her. I think I will

take the advice from another post on how to do that.

~BreAnn

mom to and Josh

>

> I don't post often but I do try to keep up and have learned so much by being a

part of this list. I want to thank you and ask for advice/input.

>

> My son is 15 and he still is very trusting of people, to the point where he

is easily manipulated by people. I see certain people in his life taking

advantage of this and I'm frightened that something bad will happen down the

road. I don't want him to be totally distrustful of people but there is that

fine line between trusting people and being a complete sucker, ya know? I mean

the kid is old enough that he shouldn't believe someone when they tell him they

can fly, right?

>

> So ideas on how to help him?? What to say or how to explain it to him?

>

> Thanks-

> Gabi

>

[Guest guest]

This is only a thought. I have not crossed this yet myself but it's a thought. Have you thought about sharing with the children in the class about your daughter being a AS? This is done when the child is not in the class. You,a teacher,the school social worker etc. goes into the room and explains to the class why she is "odd". The fact that she has Autism. I don't know how you feel about that but it is a suggestion only,please don't take it that I am being insistent here. Children can be so cruel,but on the other hand; if they have the understanding about something it can turn to being helpful and respecting our children who deserve to be respected. Marc Brown the creator of Arthur has created an episode of Arthur having a friend who has Aspberger's. Again just a

suggestion. I wish you the very best. From: BreAnn <breann21@...> Sent: Thu, April 22, 2010 10:38:52 PMSubject: ( ) Re: Manipulation and overly trusting nature in AS children

My daughter has these issues at school. A few of the girls in her class learned last year that if they asked for anything my daughter would give it to them because she is overly nice and wanting to please people. She gave away parts of her lunch and toys. I taught her to quit giving people her lunch. Luckily it was always her sweet snack part, but they learned this about her. I had to teacher her that hre food is hers and she should not share with others because she does not know if they are allergic to anything.

Today she secretly took to school some of her Littlest Pet Shop toys, one of the other girls traded with her. gave her two and the other girl gave her one. I was not happy when she told me, but I am not sure what to do. She is 10. Should I have her take back her 'new' toy and ask for hers back? Should I talk to the teacher? Should I contact the parents? I don't really know this girl. hasn't really talked about her before. was happy that someone from her class wanted to trade with her, because most of the kids in her class think she is odd. They do not understand how she is different.

For the future, I know I need to make her understand that not everyone who is nice is honestly being nice and not taking advantage of her. I think I will take the advice from another post on how to do that.

~BreAnn

mom to and Josh

>

> I don't post often but I do try to keep up and have learned so much by being a part of this list. I want to thank you and ask for advice/input.

>

> My son is 15 and he still is very trusting of people, to the point where he is easily manipulated by people. I see certain people in his life taking advantage of this and I'm frightened that something bad will happen down the road. I don't want him to be totally distrustful of people but there is that fine line between trusting people and being a complete sucker, ya know? I mean the kid is old enough that he shouldn't believe someone when they tell him they can fly, right?

>

> So ideas on how to help him?? What to say or how to explain it to him?

>

> Thanks-

> Gabi

>

[Guest guest]

For our son, 25, a lot of this behavior is wanting to be liked and lacking the

social skills to make that happen. He frequently was talking into handing over

his paycheck, or would be promised, " if you buy the pizza, you can hang out with

us. " And he'd do it, no matter how many times you explained to him why they were

doing it or told him not to. I don't have any answers on this one, this oxytocin

thing was the closest explanation I have seen.

sue in TN

> >

> > I don't post often but I do try to keep up and have learned so much by being

a part of this list. I want to thank you and ask for advice/input.

> >

> > My son is 15 and he still is very trusting of people, to the point where he

is easily manipulated by people. I see certain people in his life taking

advantage of this and I'm frightened that something bad will happen down the

road. I don't want him to be totally distrustful of people but there is that

fine line between trusting people and being a complete sucker, ya know? I mean

the kid is old enough that he shouldn't believe someone when they tell him they

can fly, right?

> >

> > So ideas on how to help him?? What to say or how to explain it to him?

> >

> > Thanks-

> > Gabi

> >

>

[Guest guest]

OMG! This totally sounds like Ty. He was always doing stuff like this!!! Drove me nuts! Now he's 15 and it's turned into a whole other issue. :-(GabiFrom: BreAnn <breann21@...> Sent: Thu, April 22, 2010 9:38:52 PMSubject: ( ) Re: Manipulation and overly trusting nature in AS children

My daughter has these issues at school. A few of the girls in her class learned last year that if they asked for anything my daughter would give it to them because she is overly nice and wanting to please people. She gave away parts of her lunch and toys. I taught her to quit giving people her lunch. Luckily it was always her sweet snack part, but they learned this about her. I had to teacher her that hre food is hers and she should not share with others because she does not know if they are allergic to anything.

Today she secretly took to school some of her Littlest Pet Shop toys, one of the other girls traded with her. gave her two and the other girl gave her one. I was not happy when she told me, but I am not sure what to do. She is 10. Should I have her take back her 'new' toy and ask for hers back? Should I talk to the teacher? Should I contact the parents? I don't really know this girl. hasn't really talked about her before. was happy that someone from her class wanted to trade with her, because most of the kids in her class think she is odd. They do not understand how she is different.

For the future, I know I need to make her understand that not everyone who is nice is honestly being nice and not taking advantage of her. I think I will take the advice from another post on how to do that.

~BreAnn

mom to and Josh

>

> I don't post often but I do try to keep up and have learned so much by being a part of this list. I want to thank you and ask for advice/input.

>

> My son is 15 and he still is very trusting of people, to the point where he is easily manipulated by people. I see certain people in his life taking advantage of this and I'm frightened that something bad will happen down the road. I don't want him to be totally distrustful of people but there is that fine line between trusting people and being a complete sucker, ya know? I mean the kid is old enough that he shouldn't believe someone when they tell him they can fly, right?

>

> So ideas on how to help him?? What to say or how to explain it to him?

>

> Thanks-

> Gabi

>

[Guest guest]

Wow, what a coincidence! Right after I read your reply in the email list, the

teacher sent me an email asking if we should do an autism class to teach the

other kids about Autism and what makes 'odd' from the rest of them. He

gave me multiple options that he came up with and asked also for my input. Like

having her not be there, having her there but observe or have her be a

participant in the presentation. I think him and I will definately be doing

this next week, I imagine. I also will have this done next school year, with an

autism consultant from Kerry's Place since this is a big part of the support

they offer.

Should we discuss autism in general? Specifics for my daughter as well? When I

meet with him I want to have a definate plan. Should the other kids be allowed

to ask questions of ? Sometimes I ask her questions but she doens't know

how to answer them. I figure if the subject is open to the class if we should

just go with it all the way?

I will be meeting Tuesday for the IEP review, should I bring this up there as

well?

With the toy, I learned today from another girl who was there that the toy my

daughter got is limited edition and hard to get and is worth two regular pets.

I will be discussing it with the teacher just so he is aware, he has asked me to

bring to him anything that I am concerned with or if he should be aware of

anything.

Thank you

~BreAnn

>

> This is only a thought. I have not crossed this yet myself but it's a

thought. Have you thought about sharing with the children in the class about

your daughter being a AS? This is done when the child is not in the class. You,a

teacher,the school social worker etc. goes into the room and explains to the

class why she is " odd " . The fact that she has Autism. I don't know how you feel

about that but it is a suggestion only,please don't take it that I am being

insistent here. Children can be so cruel,but on the other hand; if they have the

understanding about something it can turn to being helpful and respecting our

children who deserve to be respected.

> Marc Brown the creator of Arthur has created an episode of Arthur having a

friend who has Aspberger's. Again just a suggestion.

>

> I wish you the very best.

>

[Guest guest]

I am curious; What did this issue turn into?

~BreAnn

> >

> > I don't post often but I do try to keep up and have learned so much by being

a part of this list. I want to thank you and ask for advice/input.

> >

> > My son is 15 and he still is very trusting of people, to the point where he

is easily manipulated by people. I see certain people in his life taking

advantage of this and I'm frightened that something bad will happen down the

road. I don't want him to be totally distrustful of people but there is that

fine line between trusting people and being a complete sucker, ya know? I mean

the kid is old enough that he shouldn't believe someone when they tell him they

can fly, right?

> >

> > So ideas on how to help him?? What to say or how to explain it to him?

> >

> > Thanks-

> > Gabi

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I just finished a book that is a must read for families of those on the

spectrum. It's called The Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships by Temple

Grandin and Barron. They go over 10 unwritten rules that every person on

the spectrum should learn and give their personal perspectives as adults on the

spectrum who navigate in the social world.

One of the unwritten rules is Not Everyone Who is Nice to Me is my Friend. That

one is a real eye opener and something to work on as early as possible. Barron

recounts being taken advantage of in a sexual way as a teen and feeling pushed

into marriage and getting an engagement ring for someone.

My son is 11 and while I feel he is independent in a lot of things, he is so

trusting that it does frighten me to think he could be easily manipulated. These

10 rules are a good place to start in helping our kids work through these

complex social situations.

Dawn

http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com

[Guest guest]

Thanks I'm going to look that book up at the library my son is 12 ...and I need to work on these things with him.

Marcia

( ) Re: Manipulation and overly trusting nature in AS children

I just finished a book that is a must read for families of those on the spectrum. It's called The Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships by Temple Grandin and Barron. They go over 10 unwritten rules that every person on the spectrum should learn and give their personal perspectives as adults on the spectrum who navigate in the social world.

One of the unwritten rules is Not Everyone Who is Nice to Me is my Friend. That one is a real eye opener and something to work on as early as possible. Barron recounts being taken advantage of in a sexual way as a teen and feeling pushed into marriage and getting an engagement ring for someone.

My son is 11 and while I feel he is independent in a lot of things, he is so trusting that it does frighten me to think he could be easily manipulated. These 10 rules are a good place to start in helping our kids work through these complex social situations.

Dawn

http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com

[Guest guest]

I love the idea of the teacher offering to talk about autism with the class. I

did a quick look thru my bookmarks - but I couldn't find the link I had to a

group that does school assemblies on diversity and tolerance. It included a

section on understanding others with visible handicaps and not so visible

handicaps. Something like that would be nice since it discusses autism, but also

other issues that would include others in the class. Then she wouldn't feel so

singled out.

Maybe you could contact a local autism group to send a speaker? If you can't

find any other resources, you could try reading a book to the class. I love the

book, All Cats Have Aspergers, since 1) I love kittens, but 2) it explains in

very simple language how people with AS see the world a bit differently. I think

that your daughter should be there during the discussion because if she isn't,

she will hear others talk about what was said and then she will always wonder

what was really said, and she may feel a bit embarrassed. There is no shame in

having Aspergers. She should be proud of who she is and her strenghs. As for the

weaknesses, none of us are perfect. We all have room for improvement.

[Guest guest]

I feel the same way with my 15yr DS. It comes to a point, where we try to explain things to him and 'we' parents don't know what we are talking about.

From: social.buterfly <social.buterfly>Subject: ( ) Manipulation and overly trusting nature in AS children Date: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 12:09 PM

I don't post often but I do try to keep up and have learned so much by being a part of this list. I want to thank you and ask for advice/input.My son is 15 and he still is very trusting of people, to the point where he is easily manipulated by people. I see certain people in his life taking advantage of this and I'm frightened that something bad will happen down the road. I don't want him to be totally distrustful of people but there is that fine line between trusting people and being a complete sucker, ya know? I mean the kid is old enough that he shouldn't believe someone when they tell him they can fly, right? So ideas on how to help him?? What to say or how to explain it to him?Thanks-Gabi

[Guest guest]

He is very generous. He's gotten to the point where he thinks it's normal to buy friendship. Between his "friends" asking for stuff and his father buying things for him every time a promise is broken he just seems to think this is completely normal though. He uses my money in his lunch account to buy lunch for people and snack and things. I actually got to where I had to put a daily cap and restrictions on his lunch account since he was going through ~10 bucks a day at one point!!! He has even stolen things from me and his sister to give to his friends a couple times. We're working on all of that with the behavioral therapist too. :-(Gabi From: BreAnn <breann21@...> Sent: Fri, April 23, 2010 9:33:03 PMSubject: ( ) Re: Manipulation and overly trusting nature in AS children

I am curious; What did this issue turn into?

~BreAnn

> >

> > I don't post often but I do try to keep up and have learned so much by being a part of this list. I want to thank you and ask for advice/input.

> >

> > My son is 15 and he still is very trusting of people, to the point where he is easily manipulated by people. I see certain people in his life taking advantage of this and I'm frightened that something bad will happen down the road. I don't want him to be totally distrustful of people but there is that fine line between trusting people and being a complete sucker, ya know? I mean the kid is old enough that he shouldn't believe someone when they tell him they can fly, right?

> >

> > So ideas on how to help him?? What to say or how to explain it to him?

> >

> > Thanks-

> > Gabi

> >

>