Mesmerized

About ten years ago we had a pet rabbit for one summer. Cocoa never quit being afraid of us, though we fed her carrot greens, and tender clover, and loved her as much as you can love a pet that will bite you as soon as look at you. We read several books on rabbits as pets. A rabbit can be mesmerized by looking into it's eyes. From what I have read, it is not a calming experience for the rabbit, but more like a petrified experience.

I attended a conference on autism yesterday. I learned it is very painful for most people with autism to hold eye contact with anyone. It will take all that person's concentration and energy to not look away. They are going to look like they are taking in everything you say to them, but don't be fooled. Not one word you say will be processed in their brain, and it is not their fault! I have watched teachers time and time again hold a little face up to them, and talk at it. The children appear to be mesmerized.