Real Nice Merry Holidays

Story of My Life Pt 5 by Jake McClintick

December 11, 2018

Real nice to get to holiday time.  Like the merry songs we listen to.  Like the making of special treats (like cookies!)

Most exciting to anticipate the big parties.  So mean to have autism because it is hard to join in all the life events that happen at this time of year.  Really wish I could participate more, but so hard to be lonely having so many real nice, loving family members around.  So blessed that my family includes me much as they are able to.  Not like to be too much trouble, like to feel I belong.

Really hope one day I have enough skill to use the letter board with multiple people, at least one at a time.  Right now I have hard time not most people understand.  Real challenge to hear so much sounds and do the letter board.  Really hope I get better at it.

Good to be able to let my mom know my thoughts finally.  Like to show my other family members that I most eager to be able to tell my thoughts to them too.

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 fifth entry to that story.

Jake 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.