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)?

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

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.