Autumn (Jake’s imagery Writing)

For our RPM session today Jake chose to do an imagery writing exercise (as taught to us by Katie Masotti) where Jake describes something with his five senses. I also added an end sentence of his final thought, just out of my own curiosity. Since we’re in the peak of Autumn’s glory, the image was of a beautiful Autumn scene.

What was super special about today’s work was Jake held the letter board himself for the first time independently!  We’ve discovered if he rests it on his lap or the desk/table and has something to lean it on, he has more success.

Jake’s finish to each prompt is in bold:

Autumn:

I see a leaf already into art.

I hear leaves having really to leave their homes saying leaving is old eagerness dealt most already.

I taste eagerness to have Thanksgiving.

I smell all the autumn fires.

I touch a leaf having gold smoothness.

I think life most learns love needs so much God art.

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.