Real Most Sleepy Lately

3 wisdom teeth removed

(Note from Mom: This entry was written after Jake had 3 wisdom teeth removed. About a week afterwards Jake came down with a mono-like illness where he was not able to wake up and ran a low-grade fever off/on.  We ruled out an infection in his mouth, but this mysterious illness lasted a good couple of weeks!)

STORY OF MY LIFE PT. 19 BY JAKE MCCLINTICK 4/12/19

Not have much my good energy lately. Most not so easy to really wake up. Might be sick, not sure. Might have to have nice snooze again later today.

Have nice, new dentist not make me most afraid of him hurting me. Most not like needles or little sharp things in my mouth. Most glad not real mad about me not being able to hold still. Real hard to hold still when I see sharp needle. Really too much to expect my autism. Not sure how anyone does that. So stupid to expect me to hold still when I can’t make my body do hardly anything.  Not trying to be difficult. Really wish not so hard, stupid autism.

Most not so nice as Dr. Puckett.

 

Jake McClintick is now 23 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), and it was his idea to begin writing “The Story of My Life” one day.  This was his 19th entry to that story. 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.