Alhaitham and Kaveh are two of the most complex characters in Genshin Impact, and leave a lot of space for discussion. Stop by for an in-depth exploration of the way their characters portray the intersection of neurodivergence, societal pressures, art, and mental health!
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Content:
0:00 - Intro
1:29 - Alhaitham's Personal Philosophy
9:05 - Alhaitham: Neurodivergence and Impact of Upbringing
13:16 - Kaveh's Personal Philosophy
17:49 - Kaveh: Neurodivergence and Impact of Upbringing
23:19 - Perfect Mirrors
25:36 - Outro
Gameplay Footage Credits:
https://www.youtube.com/@KamisatoFayato
Sources:
1. Wood, Alex M., et al. “The Authentic Personality: A Theoretical and Empirical Conceptualization and the Development of the Authenticity Scale.” Journal of Counseling Psychology, vol. 55, no. 3, 2008, pp. 385–399, https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.55.3.385.
2. Willis, Peter. “Why Clarifying Your Values Boosts Self Esteem & Confidence, & the Hawaiian Concept of Pono.” Unchain Your Brain, 14 Nov. 2019, www.unchainyourbrain.org/2019/11/14/why-clarifying-your-values-boosts-self-esteem-the-hawaiian-concept-of-pono/.
3. Evans, Joshua A, et al. “What You Are Hiding Could Be Hurting You: Autistic Masking in Relation to Mental Health, Interpersonal Trauma, Authenticity, and Self-Esteem.” Autism in Adulthood, vol. 6, no. 2, 7 Sept. 2023, https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2022.0115.
4. Reuben, Katherine. “Dissociation in Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Under-Recognized Symptom.” Perspectives of Dissociative Identity Response: Ethical, Historical, and Cultural Issues, 1 Jan. 2022, www.academia.edu/75794253/Dissociation_in_Autism_Spectrum_Disorders_An_Under_Recognized_Symptom.
5. Williams, Zachary J., et al. “A Review of Decreased Sound Tolerance in Autism: Definitions, Phenomenology, and Potential Mechanisms.” Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, vol. 121, no. 1, Feb. 2021, pp. 1–17, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.11.030.
6. Petrolini, Valentina, et al. “What Does It Take to Be Rigid? Reflections on the Notion of Rigidity in Autism.” Frontiers in Psychiatry, vol. 14, no. 1, 13 Feb. 2023, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1072362.
7. Foster, Sarah J, et al. “Facial Affect Differences in Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults across Contexts and Their Relationship to First-Impression Formation.” Autism in Adulthood, 30 Apr. 2024, https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2023.0199. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
8. Leonard, Jayne. “Autism and ADHD: What Are the Key Differences?” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, 1 July 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325618adhd-vs-autism.
9. Rozenkrantz, Liron, et al. “Enhanced Rationality in Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Trends in Cognitive Sciences, vol. 0, no. 0, 2 July 2021, www.cell.com/trends/cognitive-sciences/pdf/S1364-6613(21)00125-X.pdf, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2021.05.004. Accessed 12 July 2021.
10. “Engagement in Special Interests Influences Well-Being and Provides Employment Opportunities in Neurodiverse Individuals.” Autism Spectrum News, 25 June 2021, autismspectrumnews.org/engagement-in-special-interests-influences-well-being-and-provides-employment-opportunities-in-neurodiverse-individuals/.
11. Kidd, Tara, et al. “Examining the Association between Adult Attachment Style and Cortisol Responses to Acute Stress.” Psychoneuroendocrinology, vol. 36, no. 6, July 2011, pp. 771–779, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2010.10.014.
12. MacKenzie, J. (2019). Whole Again: Healing Your Heart and Rediscovering Your True Self After Toxic Relationships and Emotional Abuse. A TarcherPerigee Book.
13. van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking Press.
14. “The Struggles and Strengths of Trauma Disorders.” Psychology Today, 2024, www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/living-neurodivergence/202403/the-struggles-and-strengths-of-trauma-disorders.
15. “What Is Dry Sense of Humor?” Adinaaba.com, 2024, www.adinaaba.com/post/dry-sense-of-humor. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.
16. Deckers, Anne, et al. “Desire for Social Interaction in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.” Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, vol. 8, no. 4, Apr. 2014, pp. 449–453, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2013.12.019.
Further Reference:
https://www.youtube.com/@UCOxhlNofmYH-MRC36TURUGw
https://www.youtube.com/@UClHVl2N3jPEbkNJVx-ItQIQ
Go check out The Writing on the Wall fansongs! They capture the internal conflict exceptionally well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BW5G7v5PqPc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T--URl-g_4
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