Hi Philip,
When I read your last post "I belong" I wish so much there was a way you could tell my son, who is about to turn six, to hang in there. We've just started RPM and it's really hard for him, as ultimately I KNOW he wants to talk, emotionally he is very angry, even though we see him spelling and having great success with RPM. We have him working more on literacy lessons with the RPM, but he has really no means for functional communication. He refuses to use his ipad app, or picture cards, or even his more gestural ways of communicating recently to tell us what he wants for the day to day. Instead, he's hitting, throwing things, trying to bite us, headbutting...I wonder if you have any advice for us and him. We feel as though we're finally on the right path but it's so hard to support him when he's so angry and clearly suffering. Thank you for any advice!
Warmly,
When I read your last post "I belong" I wish so much there was a way you could tell my son, who is about to turn six, to hang in there. We've just started RPM and it's really hard for him, as ultimately I KNOW he wants to talk, emotionally he is very angry, even though we see him spelling and having great success with RPM. We have him working more on literacy lessons with the RPM, but he has really no means for functional communication. He refuses to use his ipad app, or picture cards, or even his more gestural ways of communicating recently to tell us what he wants for the day to day. Instead, he's hitting, throwing things, trying to bite us, headbutting...I wonder if you have any advice for us and him. We feel as though we're finally on the right path but it's so hard to support him when he's so angry and clearly suffering. Thank you for any advice!
Warmly,
Joni
Dear Friend,
I know how you feel. I was in your place
before. I am telling you to never give up. I am still healing from my wounds. Pain
from being talked about negatively and being treated like a pet to train still
aches. I want you to know that you can make a difference in your life. Try to
be forgiving to people who have hurt you. Learn as much as you can. Practice
communicating through rpm daily.
Peace to my soul was being able to
express my wants, needs, and ideas. When people finally listened, bad feelings
began to soften and go away. It didn’t happen all at once. It took a long time
to get good at ordering my thoughts. I still need time away for making my
thoughts organized. I am peaceful now that I am communicating well.
At school I am treated as smart and capable.
My teachers compliment me. Each day I love my day at school. I have courage now
to meet more challenges. I encourage you to work hard to make regular education
possible. I think education steers autistics in the direction we need to go to
make our lives more happy and meaningful.
Peace,
Philip
Copyright 2016 Philip Reyes. All rights reserved.
This is a beautiful blog. Congratulations on your success! Your story gives those who are non-verbal with autism, as well as their loved ones like me, so much hope!
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