Photo by Ryoji Iwata on Unsplash
Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:9
Jake and I pondered Proverbs 31:9 and the following was his conclusion of that lesson:
Jake Pleads the Cause for His Autism Friends
- Helpers that have an understanding heart.
- More interesting opportunities autism friendly (Jake’s clarification list is below).
- Challenge of autism is not understood by individual with autism either so everyone needs to be willing to learn what is helpful.
- Help always treating the person only having a kind heart. Hurts to feel unwanted this life.
- Can get better having only most interested determination.
Jake Defines “Autism Friendly”
- have good challenges.
- have patience.
- have freedom to move, really need to move.
- have respect for the different reality
- I can hear everything that is said.
- I eager to be successful only it is very hard.
- most interested in how to have real comfort and not hate myself.
- can hear every sound, like ceasing too much noise.
- have more intelligence than my body can show.
- dealing autism is a challenge already, don’t make it harder.
- be friendly, have big heart.
- eager to respond, but not always able to.
- gone into my autism mind, I can still hear you.
- love you to most realize I am no inferior human. (he growled as he spelled out this one)
- have feelings like others, but not have abilities like others.
- have interest in good life too.
Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:9
Jake McClintick is now 25 years old and has been learning to communicate using a letterboard since age 18. Learning the process of using a letter board 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), and it was his idea to begin writing “The Story of My Life” one day. He is diagnosed with severe autism as well as intermittent explosive disorder. He has given me permission to share his story and our conversations.
Jake 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.
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