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This is not in defense of DB, but rather a point I'd like to make regarding his reported inability to sign his name.
Our son is a disabled, non-verbal adult. He can recognize letters and numbers; he also recognizes words (by this I mean he can identify familiar words even if the font used is not one he is familiar with) and can easily TYPE passwords he memorizes.
Reading and writing are basically the interpretation and reading of symbols accepted by all to communicate specific ideas. Is it possible that DB is semi-literate? Yes. Is it possible that he cannot sign his name? Yes. Can he type and/or read symbols that constitute vocabulary? Yes.
All that being said: it all hinges on whatever diagnosis he has and if it involves strictly mental illness OR if it is a mental illness diagnosis related to a developmental disability. Our son, for example, is on the Autism Spectrum, but he is also has a Moderate MR diagnosis as well as bipolar disorder. What this means, in terms of OUR role in his life, is a lot of work and involvement, and participation outside of the resources available for him through outside service providers.
Again, not an excuse for DB because facts line up to paint a rather dire picture of the home lives of all involved parties.
I don't know if any of this made any sense or if the insight helps/interests anyone. Apologies.