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Did you read the article? It seems to contradict that idea. From what I read, especially about his spending time with his friends, he seems to have quite a normal childhood. The only difference seems to be *where* he goes to school. From the article: "Alex’s mother says he’s a “young man in a unique situation,” but defining him solely as a college student paints an incomplete picture. Life’s definitely not just textbooks and Bunsen burners. Alex’s extracurricular schedule is staggering at times. He has a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwan Do, and he takes violin lessons. He likes racquetball, fencing, and going hiking and camping with his father. Alex’s social life includes maintaining friends whose ages and locations are quite varied. “Friends I have made in college are usually through my classes,” he says. “I don’t have as much opportunity to develop those friendships — that long drive home interferes quite a bit. I like walking between classes and greeting several friends I know, and catching up with how their classes are going this semester or sitting with them in class, sharing jokes. It makes the campus seem smaller and friendlier.” Then there are friends his own age. Some are strictly “long distance” PG friends from all over the country, but Alex keeps in touch through phone calls and occasional visits. “The last one in Texas was a blast!” he says. “Six guys, ages 11 to 13, and a huge pillow fight. We also sat up half the night and most of the next day having a marathon Magic: The Gathering card game. It was great.” Alex is able to see his friends in Jackson more frequently. They keep busy inside on the computer, and outside playing basketball or riding scooters and skateboards."