My 12 yr old son is a high functioning Autistic, meaning he is not as severe. While he has socializing problems, he does ok after he gets to know someone a little. He does love his animals, he prefers human interaction more. My son does not have a hunched over appearance at all. He is very smart in the things that interest him, like someone above said. He is a wonderful artist, and a whiz on the computer and at video games. He just has problems with the easy things. One thing is being able to express his emotions. Although he is a happy, loving and very affectionate young man. He loves everyone and says "I have only Peace, Love & Joy in my heart Mom". He is my special Angel!!
That's why I am not convinced that an Autistic child would be easy to mind control. They are in their own little world. If someone were to try that with my son he would invert into himself and would probably completely shut down and quit talking all together. I have witnessed children at school making fun of him and thank God he does not seem to internalize it. But again if he did he probably would not be able to tell us, as he does not know how to convey those feelings. I would not even venture to say what things Michael has endured in his life as I was not witness to it and therefore will not speculate on it. Only Michael knows what happened to him and just maybe he would like to forget it and put it behind him.
Gob Bless you all, I love you!