A Heart (Jake’s Imagery Writing)

To end our RPM session today we did an imagery writing exercise (as taught to us by Katie Masotti) where Jake describes an item with his five senses. I also added an end sentence of his final thought, just out of my own curiosity. For Valentines Day, he described his thoughts regarding a simple image of a heart. He was hugging himself the entire time. Jake’s finish to each prompt is in bold:

A Heart:

I see Love

I hear a good, most loving God.

I taste a cookie.

I smell a cookie.

I touch good, healthy soul hug.

I think Love.

Jake McClintick is now 24 years old and has been learning to communicate using a letterboard since age 18. Learning the process of using a letterboard through the Rapid Prompting Method (RPM) was a gradual process that took several years. We are still working on expanding RPM and Jake’s confidence/skills beyond our “work sessions.”  Regardless, this low-tech alternative communication system has been an answered prayer for us both.

At the age of 22 he began expressing his very personal thoughts and feelings more fluently with me (his mom.) He is diagnosed with severe autism as well as intermittent explosive disorder. He has given me permission to share his story and our conversations. He continually expresses his desire to “find purpose” to his life…I hope his willingness to share will help others learn about this misunderstood condition known as “autism” that has so much to teach us all.