Gitana1,
Do you think there is a possibility that this boy suffers from an Attachment Disorder. His mother left him when he was 2 years old.
It seems from the literature that makes the child devoid of feelings and no matter what, may feel they are unloved and are unattached to others.
http://www.focusas.com/Attachment.html
Excerpt:
Specifically if a child experiences any of the following in
the first three years of life, that child is at risk for Attachment Disorder:
Drug or alcohol use by mother during pregnancy
Unwanted pregnancy
Caring for the infant on a timed schedule, or other self-centered parenting
Sudden abandonment or separation from mother (death of mother, illness of mother or child, or adoption)
Physical abuse, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse
Neglect of physical or emotional needs
Several family moves and/or daycare or foster placements
Inconsistent/inadequate care or daycare
Unprepared mothers, poor parenting skills, inconsistent responses to child
Mothers with depression
Undiagnosed or painful illnesses (ear infections, colic, surgery)
