There are contrasting behaviors of children raised in nurturing environments versus those who face emotional neglect. Emmanuel and Christine, who are raised in secure family settings, are curious and deeply engaged in their play, exploring new objects with enthusiasm and little distraction from their surroundings. In stark contrast, children who have been institutionalized due to adverse family conditions, like Caroline, Veronique, Jean, René, Annette, and Colette, exhibit signs of emotional distress. Their interactions with their environment are minimal, and their play is interrupted by anxiety and a preoccupation with their surroundings. These children, some suffering from anorexia and showing signs of autism, display a lack of interest in play and new objects, often retreating into passive or self-soothing behaviors. The script highlights that emotional neglect can severely impact a child’s development, leading to anxiety and inhibiting their exploratory instincts, which in extreme cases, may result in autism.
