To end our RPM session today I had made a list of 20 Valentine’s day words:
- Valentine’s Day
- Love
- February
- Care
- Hug
- Adore
- Affection
- Kiss
- Warm
- Heart
- Pink
- Red
- Snuggle
- Cozy
- Like
- Cookies
- Sweet
- Dear
- Honey
- Cherish
Jake’s Sentences via letter board (words from above are in bold print):
1. Really not like much about Valentine’s Day.
2. Not good to not have love.
3. A hard month to endure is like February.
4. Most awesome to care, God is helping me.
5. Hugs are so much not so easy for me.
6. Really adore my good family.
7. So not enjoy much affection.
8. Not much really like to be kissed.
9. Nice, warm house is good to have.
10. My heart is not so sore anymore.
11. Like pink, not red.
12. Not help God all time see red.
13. Snuggle in my bed feels good.
14. Too cozy have nice fire in fireplace.
15. Like good, happy mom much better than sad.
16. So love to make cookies!
17. Most sweet have good attitude my life.
18. To have dear, good love in my soul is much better than hate.
19. Honey is delicious!
20. I cherish my nice, most loving time have awesome soul talk with mom.
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.
I fall in love with Jake every time I read his writings! I guess it’s good we haven’t met, because I would want to hug him, maybe even kiss him and he would not like all of that affection! Ha ha! Seriously, I really respect Jake for having the courage to share his heart with not just his mom, but everyone. He is doing a great thing here.
Thank-You for reading Virginia -Jake tolerates me hugging and kissing him sometimes, but he does flinch and/or wipe off my kisses frequently so I know he is a hyper-sensitive young man. Sometimes he’ll snuggle up to me to read books, I treasure those times.
Tara,
I know form a mother’s stand point this must be amazing! Jake is communicating more with you. It’s so nice to read his words and know he realizes that you are much happier now. I know that him being able to communicate with you makes your heart sing. I also believe it makes Jake happy to spend time with you.
Love you, you are doing such an amazing job to continue fighting for what is best for Jake. He is doing wonderful things with the dedication of your love and having the letter board. Tara and Jake have a wonderful day!
Thank-You, I am beyond excited to hear what he has to say finally. Even if it’s not all easy to hear, that’s ok. I keep telling him we have a new beginning, and I thank God I can finally understand what he’s been going through without just trying to guess. Thanks for you kind words of encouragement Machell!
Like learning about autism
Thanks for reading Joelle, I am learning so much too. I’m so grateful to finally understand his perspective from his own words.
Tara, you are an amazing woman, mom & teacher! So exciting to read Jake’s words!
What kind of letter board do you use? I’ve not heard of the Rapid Prompting Method but will be looking into it immediately for my Christopher.
Glad to see your Jake coming so far.
Love,
Mary
Hi Mary! We started with stencil board which Jake had to poke through each letter with a pencil to get the motor coordination down, then we gradually transitioned to the flat boards (both pictured in the email there). So good to hear from you, how is Christopher doing? I think of you both frequently, I remember he was first person I met in real life that communicated that way but it wasn’t easy for him with just anyone or at all times – I so understand that now!!! It is a process and mutual trust & understanding, Jake was often one letter off at first which took us a while to get accuracy. Great to hear from you!