His mother kept him very shelter at the begining of his life. He'd hear
sounds outside his room and often wondered where they came from. He was very
sheltered but is also quite stubborn.

When Dr. Neevis took over he changed everything. Atley's entire world 
was shattered. He was used to being waited and having things done for him.
Dr. Neevis refused to coddle him wanting him to take charge of his own
existence. At first Atley wore himself out day in and day out refusing the only
thing that kept him going was the thought of being with Amina again.

Eventually he started to comply, refusing to give up. When he finally understood
Dr. Neevis sough to help him rather then hurt him his mindset changed. He became
more willing to learn and even looked forward to taking strides in his life. 

Dr. Neevis became his first true friend. Seeing him beyond what he was and instead
encouraging him to become what he could.

He was very eager to learn the ways of the world and how things worked.

Origionally he was against drugging Amina. He was okay with drugging his
mother because he resented her for doing so to him that and she was still
so overbearing. She hindered his progress and wouldn't listen to reason.

When his mother almost killed his Amina he ended her.  He did love his 
mother but as his world view grew he also resented her greatly the last
straw was taking what was his.

 He stayed by Amina's bedside for days taking care of her. When she was
nearly stolen away he became upset closing the house up again he decided
they would live in their own world. He used a different kind of drug to have
Amina forget things. He hoped in time she would forget the outside world
and they she, Dr. Neevis and him could all live in the house forever undisturbed.