Philip has friends all over the world who are like him and communicate in
alternative methods such as RPM. The
internet has been a wonderful place for these kids to connect because they can
see they are not alone and can socialize without the pressure of real-time
back and forth exchanges which can be difficult when every word has to be typed
out. Philip corresponds with friends in
the United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Australia. One of his best friends is Bella who lives in
Australia. She also communicates with
RPM and has a Facebook page called Bella’s Walk. She is working on a project and asked Philip
a few questions. They both agreed his
answers could be shared in the blog.
Bella: Remember when you were not communicating with RPM? How was it like for you?
Philip: Before RPM I was made to feel
like a wild animal. I was fearful all the time. I talked with God
constantly. He loves me and He has
protected me from a lot of my fears. Peace was always hidden before I could
communicate. I was making worst-case scenarios in my mind. I thought anyone
could abuse me because I could not defend myself. I am always caring to talk to
people to tell them at least realize we have feelings too. I was treated
like a pet that needed to be house trained. I am no longer there. I am free.
Bella: What kept you, my friend?
Philip: What kept me going was God always being with me. I felt
His presence everyday. I knew someday I would have a voice because an angel
told me I would. I only knew it would happen but not when. I am peaceful that
God kept His word. When I met Soma, I knew it was my best chance so far to
leave my silent prison. Meaning for my life came about. I care to make the most
of it. God knows me like no one else. I am most grateful for His grace.
Bella: What words are really the most
descriptive of your personality?
Philip:
Words that describe
me best are caring, meaningful, and freeman. I am caring to my friends and
people who want to learn from me. I am meaningful because I am created with
purpose by God. Freeman I am because I can communicate now.
Bella: My last question is, can you
tell me of your rescue?
Philip: My rescue from silence came from God leading my mom to find
out about RPM. She never gave up on me. She pushed me enough to make a way out
for my words. Making a way to communicate then lead to a way to be a part of
the world. Making a difference in the world feels great.
Thanks Philip for sharing. I have been working with my six year old grandson but have started working with a 14 year old young man. You can tell he is really excited to learn RPM. He brought the RPM things to his mom so she would work with him
ReplyDeleteI know he must be lonely so do you have any words I can give him to comfort him, while he learns the method. I am reading this blog today so he can see he is not alone. His mom is reading Ido's book also.
Kathy
Deletehi, i want you to know i am feeling much more happy being able to communicate. hard work pays off. rpm is hard but as you keep sharing your thoughts, you will feel less lonely. philip.
Thank you so much for sharing this, it is so beautiful to read this story, it helps me to learn more about autism!
ReplyDeleteHi Philip,
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family! I have been reading your blog with my daughter KK who is 17. Your sharing has helped our family so much! Thank you for that!
Anyway, this is what KK wrote after reading this blog, LIKE PHILIP, I WAS LONELY. MOM HELPS ME TYPE. HE (Philip) WROTE VERY GOOD. PHILIP, THANK YOU FOR SHARING. I WOULD LOVE TO TALK TO YOU. GOOD TO HAVE FRIENDS.
This is the first time I saw her expressed interest in "talking" to friends. Would that be possible? How can we do that? Is it through Facebook?
KK & Mom (Melody)
DeleteHi Melody, It's been a fun and busy holiday. I read Philip KK's message and he will respond soon. Thank you for having KK write him. He loves messages, especially from people like him. They can exchange messages on his Facebook page or email philipautism@yahoo.com.