Veering from FAQ

This is a letter I wrote to a friend, in case it is helpful to you:

i’m wanting to describe what i felt when i first started RPM and encourage you on your journey. i was kind of crazy in the beginning because i was so excited and i wanted so badly to communicate. all the effort has been worth it. my body fought against RPM by running away acting like i didn’t want it. i had to overcome those  
impulses and my mom had to push through my aggression and now i’m able to communicate and to spell my body into action. what i mean is that i can spell commands to my body and control it. now i can ask for a lesson instead of always fighting and that means i can progress. i’m learning to communicate on the keyboard and verbally. it also means i can take online college courses and have a hopeful future. i want all of that for you too.
your friend,
kaegan

Friday Post on Saturday Again :)

This week, I want to clarify my opinion on “joining.” In so doing, I will answer a couple more questions. 

As I matured, I realized I was different. I was probably about six when I began to want to express to my family that I am not in control of my body and that when they imitate my actions, it is frustrating and not only that, but it reinforced my “out of control” behavior. By this, I mean the behaviors that my body does impulsively and without my consent. By joining those behaviors, *I* was invalidated, and autism was reinforced. I realize that was never the intention, and I appreciate the time and effort.

One way to interact with someone like me is to presume competence and speak to me like you would to anyone else. If I walk away, know that it was not my intention and love me in spite of my impulses and know that I love you too. In the words of the terminator, “I’ll be back.”

FAQ Saturday :)

I received this message, including a question.

I love your blog and your story is so inspirational. My question to you is whether body and motor control has become easier for you as you get older or practice it more? How can we help our autistic kids get better at motor control for a young age (i.e. toddler)?

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Control over my body has become easier as I've learned to control myself through RPM (Rapid Prompting Method). A toddler can begin to learn control through play, like Natural Play Therapy (http://www.autisticallyinclined.com)  and through your belief in their competence.

Soma's blue book may also be helpful.
http://www.halo-soma.org/store.php?sess_id=b27f871c54a0c27f11e3ad68806bd9ba

On another note, I am making phenomenal progress on both keyboarding and verbalization. Even a friend who hasn't seen me in a while noticed. I am staying confident in the Lord.

Keyboarding

This post is not a FAQ post. I am wanting to share my excitement about my progress on the keyboard. I want very much to communicate on the keyboard. Right now, I spell on the letter board and my mom types it to post on my blog. I'm working to fade the letter board and lately have been making great strides. I am feeling the language on the tip of my tongue, so to speak. I praise God for this miracle and I wanted to share it with you.

I Am Back

I am wanting to report on what has been happening these past few months that I have not posted.

First, let me apologize for being so quiet. I have had my plate full in the best way. Several months ago, I created a vision board for myself. On it, I am happy to say, was to complete a college course. I have been busily doing just that.

I am happy to announce that I have completed my first college course. I am proud of my accomplishment. Let me share here some of what I learned about Earth Systems through the University of Illinois.

Still Rockin' Around the Sun

by Kaegan Smith - Monday, October 10, 2016, 10:53 PM

 

After learning through this course, I would like to keep my stance but add to it a few things that struck me as important and novel ideas. As an inhabitant of the third rock from the sun, I wish to leave only a small footprint and to create a giant leap for mankind. Sustainability can be upset by various factors and we, as humans, have a role to play as we travel around the sun. The earth’s path is sustainable, but only with conscientious effort. Through diligence, I am confident that we can uphold a sustainable path through our galaxy. 

     Society has its work cut out for it as Earth proceeds along its path in order to ensure sustainability. The population dictates sustainability, and vice versa, even according to Malthus. An excerpt from chapter four states the following, “...a foresight of the difficulties attending the rearing of a family acts as a preventive check, and the actual distresses of some of the lower classes, by which they are disabled from giving the proper food and attention to their children, act as a positive check to the natural increase of population.” Even so, to protect Mother Earth in a way that provides security for future generations, there is work to do. A resilient society is one which can spring back after disaster. To be this kind of society we are going to have to take actions that retain and protect our resources as innovation discovers new ones. We must strive to reduce CO2 emissions with solid governmental policies that both cap and provide incentives for progress. These changes must be global, so relations with international organizations is of paramount importance. Economic protocols are in order to keep a level playing field, but we mustn’t lose sight of social morality issues. In conclusion, I believe we can manage to find resolution that keeps us rocking around the sun.

     Future generations will benefit from current awareness such as the numerous websites found on the subject upon conducting a google search. Courses like this one exist developing a generation aware of the cost of waste and over consumerism, and thus, ensuring hope for generations to come. Because of awareness and problem solving and technological advancement, we can move toward a long and fruitful existence on Planet Earth. So, in essence, we must “be the change we wish to see,” a quote attributed to Gandhi that rings true as we look ahead to ensure sustainability is our path.

References:

http://129.237.201.53/books/malthus/population/malthus.pdf (quote)

http://www.ted.com/talks/jared_diamond_on_why_societies_collapse#t-1078959

And Now... Back to FAQ Friday!

Jake asks:  What do you feel like your biggest personal quality is in relationships and/or being of service to others?

Kaegan answers:  I am a good listener even when I seem like I am not listening. I think things through and can empathize in a real way. Now that I can communicate, I am able to express that empathy that was hidden before RPM. It is untrue that autistics can't empathize. We just need a way to express the empathy.

FAQ Friday, July 1

Aunt Misty asks:
Can you pick up your letterboard and talk to someone on a moment’s notice, or do you need time to collect your thoughts?

Kaegan answers:
I am able to converse like anyone else and would love the opportunity to chat with you.

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Aunt Misty asks:
Are you able to text?

Kaegan answers:
I am able to text if I can first spell it on my letter board, so don't say anything mean about my mom or she will know.

:)

FAQ's :)

Jake asks:
If you played quidditch, what position would you play?

Kaegan answers:
I would play seeker because I am Harry-Potter-like: I am fast and a good person.


***************************************
Mom asks:
What was your most memorable birthday?

Kaegan answers:
I think it would have to be when I got to ride in the limo.

FAQ and Apology

I'm sorry that I have infrequently answered your frequently asked questions. Here are three answers for the past three weeks.

Rebecca asks:
What is your "God Story?"
Kaegan answers:
I have more than one, but here is my favorite. When I was only seventeen months old, I lost all the language I had developed and began to read and spell instead without meaning. My mom noticed and began trying to help me regain lost language. Seventeen years later, we discovered RPM and realized that God had answered prayers before they had even been uttered by providing me with the very skills I would later need to communicate. Reading and spelling have been a gift from God.


Dr. Nichols asks:
What is your favorite method of learning math?
Kaegan answers:
I have enjoyed Khan Academy but I have especially enjoyed the lessons my mom prepares.


Duane asks:
What is your favorite season in Colorado and why?
Kaegan answers:
I enjoy all the seasons, but maybe winter is my favorite because I love the snow and snowshoeing.

Keep the questions coming! I love them!

FAQ Friday

Kaegan's Grandfather asks:
How do you feel about your progress with RPM?

Kaegan answers:
I am super thrilled! I have hope now that I can connect with you like I've always wanted to. I love you and Grandmother so much and now I can say so.

******************

Devra asks:
Do you know your mom is awesome? Has she ever told you about the little midget car?

Kaegan answers:
I am so glad you asked because now she has told me all about it and the Dodge Swinger. And, yes, I am blessed with an awesome mom!

*******************

Mrs. Bonfiglio asks:
What is your ambition for the future?

Kaegan answers:
I have so many plans! I want to train for a marathon and run it with my friend, Jake. I am hoping to study Environmental Sustainability online through the University of Illinois in the fall and I want to continue my role with Keys 4 Autism as director of research and development.

*******************

Mrs. Bonfiglio also asks:
What are you most passionate about?

Kaegan answers:
I am most passionate about sharing RPM with other autistics.

********************

Teresa Rice asks:
How to deal with sensory issues?

Kaegan answers:
My experience has been that through RPM, I have been able to overcome a lot of my sensory issues. Now, I can say that I want to try a new food and I am no longer bound by autism's impulsive rejection of new foods. I am much less impulsive about the sound of babies crying now that I can talk about it, and it has everything to do with RPM.

********************
More answers next week!

FAQ.... Sunday

FAQ Friday slipped by! So here it is on Sunday....

Grammy and Grandpa ask:
Can we hug you now?

Kaegan answers:
I actually like hugs and don't know why my body turns to the side, and I hope you will still keep hugging me!



Faith asks:
What do you want to tell people who want to build relationships with people on the autism spectrum so that they can be good friends?

Kaegan answers:
I think that it is the same as with anyone and that if you share your thoughts and interests with them, they will feel loved. (I think it is insulting to "join.")

Faith asks a clarifying question:
People don't feel it's the same because some people with autism don't respond the way they would expect. What do they need to understand to keep trying to build the relationship even when the person with autism seems uninterested or acts out?

Kaegan answers:
Always assume all the aspects are there even when they don't appear to be, and know that you are making a difference. It is a paradigm shift in your thinking and I think you have to also be aware that they are always inside listening.

FAQ Friday

Mrs. B. asks:
What was your biggest struggle when beginning RPM?

Kaegan answers:
The biggest struggle when beginning RPM was definitely controlling my behavior, and I would feel such strong emotion because I could feel the communication getting close and my body would freak out. I spent a lot of energy on trying to control myself and I wanted to be able to communicate so badly, especially with my mom.
I am hoping you have great success!

FAQ Friday

Kelli asks:

What do I do about my son always choosing the last choice I give him, no matter what?

Kaegan answers:

I remember doing the same thing. It was easier than answering and impulsive. I think it might be helpful to give the choices silently and maybe place them way across the room from each other.

***********

Julie asks:

What advice to you have for me and my autistic 12 year old daughter?

Kaegan answers:

I think that observing other 12 year old girls can help uncover the interests of an autistic 12 year old girl.

***********

Cousin Cody asks:

How many percussion instruments are there? ;)

Kaegan answers (with a smirk):

By all accounts, I must say, all surfaces can become a percussion instrument and so I offer you the answer: Infinity.

***********

Julie S. asks:

What was it like to go from one month no hope of asking a girl to prom, to the next month, asking and going?

Kaegan answers:

It was surreal and my date was the prettiest girl there, and she will always be my friend. I am thankful for the experience.

************

Melissa asks:

Do you have control over your singing? What is your favorite song to sing?

Kaegan answers:

I am sometimes able to control what I sing; however, I usually don't. All of my singing feels good, though, and I'm pretty good at it, so I don't worry a lot about it. 

I like to sing praise songs the best like, "Light Up the Sky," because it fills me with joy.

********

Darla asks:

Have you found essential oils to help with focus, sleep, emotions? Specifically, have you tried the Reconnect Kit?

Kaegan answers:

All the oils are pleasant, but I can't tell they do anything. Maybe I will try the Reconnect Kit again now that I can communicate and report back.

********

All the questions are fun! Keep them coming!

FAQ Friday

Question: What would you like for Grandparents to know?

I think it is impossible to explain how important the job of grandparent is. I am interested in knowing how grandparents see themselves as role models in the lives of their grand children. Do you know all of the love you show matters? If I can only say one thing, it is that you are important in the lives of your autistic grandchildren in the same way as your non-autistic grand children.

FAQ Friday (on Saturday!)

FAQ Friday! (posted on Saturday.. haha)

Faith asks, "What are some ways to respond to movements that look stiff and jerky and involuntary that take up a lot of time? They are hard to interrupt and I"ld like to understand them more."

Kaegan's Response:

I am familiar with involuntary movements and I am thinking that he does not mean to do them. It is respectful to interrupt and even necessary so that he is not stuck. I think that he needs your help to stop the movements that are not his will and he is not able to stop them himself. I think RPM is the best way to get purposeful. At least it has been for me. I am interested in meeting Jaedon and I hope to soon.

The First Lesson

The First Lesson

by: Kaegan Smith

The first time I think I ever realized that I was not crazy was during my first RPM lesson and that is where my story begins.

I was finally aware that my life had meaning and that someone was going to help me and that I could communicate and make something out of myself instead of living life inside a body that did whatever it chose without my permission. It was the most exciting day of my life, and I am grateful yet angry about my body that won't cooperate.

I won't give up, though, and I will gain control over my body yet. In the words of Winston Churchill, "Never give up."

All of my life has been to praise God and bring glory to Him and I give all credit to Him and praise Him with my life.