I have some professional familiarity with Asian survivors of genocide and with autistic adults (not so much children).
The way RF used the term “genocide” actually spoke a lot to me. We would have to hear an elaboration from him, but my take on that was he was trying to say that his “self” was being eradicated in that room.
He didn’t seem to be able to explore or express himself, it did not seem like the family tried reconnecting him with positive aspects of Vietnamese culture, and he seemed to be intellectually belittled and starved. The parents were getting rid of him. Like genocide.
It is also natural for many Asian cultures, especially with males, to express less emotion and to have reserved mannerisms. Adoption and growing up in a Western country would alter some of this, but not all. The wise cracking and misadventure may even be a sign of RF trying to fit in and be more American.
I’m just speculating. RF is still very young and even if he had been given more time to express his thoughts and feelings he may not have been mature enough to.
It is possible that he is on the spectrum, but very hard to tell with the cultural and emotional differences. I lean toward no, but at his age it would be most appropriate for RF himself to start deciding in collaboration with a therapist if an autism diagnosis fits him.
All my opinions.
moo
