Dibs' Memory
Despite the fact that Axline never told him to have fun, Dibs recalls that Axline told him to have fun.
Dibs
By every indication, Dibs is considered to be a highly gifted and incredibly intelligent boy. However, his parents and the people around him think he has a cognitive deficiency.
Dibs' Parents
Dibs' parents are clearly successful, resourceful, and wealthy people who have worked hard for what they achieved. However, despite their success and resourcefulness, they don't think of something so obvious: sending their son to a therapist.
Dibs' Parents Feelings
When Dibs' parents thought he was a normal, highly intelligent boy, they treated him very positively. When Dibs started to act out, however, they began to treat him negatively. This reinforces the boy's bad behavior; they act in ways that are opposite of what readers would expect them to act if they wanted to help their son.
Dibs' Diagnosis
Readers know that Dibs likely has Autism Spectrum Disorder; the people in the book do not know that Dibs has Autism.
