tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168611762762820142024-02-21T02:51:18.980-08:00LifeLineKaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-72900378868582049862019-09-11T19:48:00.000-07:002019-09-11T19:48:15.861-07:00Successful Flights With FriendsConversation with Jake after a successful international flight together where Keys 4 Autism worked with autistic students, families, and school staff in Belize:<br />
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Jake: What was different this flight from one year ago? (See previous post from last October)<br />
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Kaegan: I think I am different. I have had the worst case flight and survived. I realize I am stronger for it.<br />
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Jake: How do you feel you've grown over this past year?<br />
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Kaegan: I am facing my fears and overcoming them. I want to take a moment to bask in the fact that I have flown successfully eight times since my last post.<br />
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Jake: What have you practiced this past year to bring you to this point?<br />
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Kaegan: Visualization has been key. I see myself succeeding and try to feel the accomplishment within my bones. It really helps. Do you ever do that?<br />
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Jake: Sometimes, but not always as a pro-active tool, so I think I will try to do that more consciously.<br />
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<br />Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-72621087857541967772018-10-18T16:06:00.002-07:002018-10-18T16:06:52.738-07:00Getting Past HardshipsYou all know me as a person with no struggles. Nothing could be further from the truth. Today, I want to share a recent experience.<br />
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I was traveling and having a wonderful trip when suddenly, I heard it. The loudest, most sudden intrusion invaded my consciousness. The unspeakable, that which shall not be named. The wildest and unfathomable chaos filled my senses.<br />
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A baby cried somewhere far in the back of the plane. I thought I would be able to hold myself together until I heard myself screaming.<br />
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I was mortified to be an adult man, screaming, and I was trapped 30,000 feet in the sky. You may imagine yourself screaming uncontrollably with no escape and for seemingly no reason. This can be my reality in the blink of an eye -- or in this case, in the cry of a baby.<br />
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I am over-empathetic. I simply cannot take the hysterics of others without creating hysterics of my own. In those moments, I feel completely unlovable. I am aware of my disturbance and of how I must appear. It terrifies me, and you know how helpful fear can be...so the problem is perpetuated.<br />
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To make what seemed like a long story, short... I survived. No one got upset with me. With all the trauma of the ordeal, I am stronger and less afraid, having survived the hardship.<br />
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Please don't pity me; just understand. That's why I wrote this: To rally some understanding for people like me who struggle with things you can't see.<br />
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Gotta go catch a plane....<br />
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<br />Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-75455050051890055672018-09-27T15:42:00.001-07:002018-09-27T15:42:29.141-07:00Friendship Rules!Wow! It has been too long since my last post.<br />
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What is keeping me from posting when I have so much to share? I think it is the overwhelm of too many thoughts. I want to share my thoughts on too many subjects which makes it hard to choose. Sometimes it is easy to choose, though, like now.<br />
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We were so honored to have two families visit us for <a href="https://www.keys4autism.com/keys4autism-family-adventures.html" target="_blank">RPM and Adventure</a>. I think it is my greatest joy to be with other RPM families and to aid in their progression.<br />
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First, my friend, Ian, came. I will have to say friendship is so critical. To think back to when RPM made its debut, I don't know how I stayed sane. To have friends was unthought of back then. Riding horses, hiking, and kayaking were made far better by friendship.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidV9EpRswTZb9kxnirPSNdGj_4o09KtsSkZuSc0HBRomOTUvFeSuQhg_sbmJG-nvpRStcCitwbh7J4Y7vtTDOPZJ0lwNDgPQEg4IUKex_LIjgShYTzp9x-N5stZyp2Og-emNCCed6IQ7fc/s1600/trail+ride.jpeg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAVDg3ndcnypBz2Q_RYiJjJcyfUozPR9VsFPuqfUqth0_drmHwIdWc68IXS72gaciPXggFu077mi6IFegJF4Ezu_jWPLJC2JS7qc5CMGTe6Z0KAI8y9O4QzakKtaxAkAnVN9kzKyDr7ES/s1600/EA7C5665-E75B-467E-91D6-103A394E3BE2.GIF" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAVDg3ndcnypBz2Q_RYiJjJcyfUozPR9VsFPuqfUqth0_drmHwIdWc68IXS72gaciPXggFu077mi6IFegJF4Ezu_jWPLJC2JS7qc5CMGTe6Z0KAI8y9O4QzakKtaxAkAnVN9kzKyDr7ES/s320/EA7C5665-E75B-467E-91D6-103A394E3BE2.GIF" width="320" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidV9EpRswTZb9kxnirPSNdGj_4o09KtsSkZuSc0HBRomOTUvFeSuQhg_sbmJG-nvpRStcCitwbh7J4Y7vtTDOPZJ0lwNDgPQEg4IUKex_LIjgShYTzp9x-N5stZyp2Og-emNCCed6IQ7fc/s400/trail+ride.jpeg" /><br />
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Friendship is not confined by age. I loved mentoring my young friend who visited next. We went on an Inspiration Hike my mom and I crafted for him. We kayaked on the most beautiful day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXOIX6HS8OqJYtJ3s9-N9GtclSoCXmZTrrVxRufEMOA1bnvqcYuKzvPR_BiWP8ifVLHWhvZH4na63sgimZMDbSuNkWNzDvjYuUyMPMrVJGXR3knWRmmZhDScJIULy5D84Cg8OOWfJfxWK/s1600/55924995441__55D40877-4968-46C3-9A33-7000254E46C5.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmPsHd6NbNyIlT5SXUi5Uz3TNeqpxquFW0JKh48a3EUbEItGpM-L-eaNnEtkCEeer-E-q3HPZOZKG0sKEtgi-OBreA9-WirjxAuJoRKK16i2qIQY1Qewv4pE9IaYK7LzZoQhHt3_KrFmf/s1600/55925081718__B62CF13E-0761-4C5E-B468-452216939552.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmPsHd6NbNyIlT5SXUi5Uz3TNeqpxquFW0JKh48a3EUbEItGpM-L-eaNnEtkCEeer-E-q3HPZOZKG0sKEtgi-OBreA9-WirjxAuJoRKK16i2qIQY1Qewv4pE9IaYK7LzZoQhHt3_KrFmf/s400/55925081718__B62CF13E-0761-4C5E-B468-452216939552.JPG" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXOIX6HS8OqJYtJ3s9-N9GtclSoCXmZTrrVxRufEMOA1bnvqcYuKzvPR_BiWP8ifVLHWhvZH4na63sgimZMDbSuNkWNzDvjYuUyMPMrVJGXR3knWRmmZhDScJIULy5D84Cg8OOWfJfxWK/s400/55924995441__55D40877-4968-46C3-9A33-7000254E46C5.JPG" /><br />
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Stay tuned for a post about a breakthrough story-writing experience!<br />
<br />Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-29226187166303796542018-02-07T19:30:00.002-08:002018-02-07T19:32:18.129-08:00Strong Foundation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">(About the technique used to stack the chairs in the chair stacking game):</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I wanted to widen the base to make a really strong foundation. Then I stacked the rest on top. </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">(When asked if this could relate to life):</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Relationships require a strong foundation. Then they can grow.</span></b>Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-41942315752144708882017-09-08T18:20:00.001-07:002017-09-08T18:22:18.642-07:00My Lifeline Too, by JoshaKaegan entitled this blog, "RPM is my lifeline," I added the 2. Because RPM is my lifeline too. When I think back on the years before Kaegan could communicate, I'm brought to an acute awareness of how things could be right now.<br />
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If I had continued to try to "make" something out of his meaningless (I know now) language, we would be having a one-sided conversation about Thomas the Tank right now, with him telling me to "be quiet," and "go away."<br />
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If I had continued to try to make connection with him through jumping alongside him or running back and forth, we would still be miles apart and lonely.<br />
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If I had continued to take him literally when he yelled NO about every new activity, we'd still be sitting in a still, silent room.<br />
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If I had continued to answer his persistent and repetitive questions, I would need a therapist and he would still be frustrated that I was unknowingly making his questions more persistent, more pervasive.<br />
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If I had continued to believe the lie of autism when he refused new tasty foods, he would still be eating only chicken nuggets and waffles.<br />
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If I had never discovered RPM, we would be where we were. Stuck.<br />
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RPM is my lifeline too.<br />
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<br />Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-12826059948902525182017-09-05T19:31:00.001-07:002017-09-05T19:32:36.010-07:00Hello, Blogosphere!<br />
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It's back to school time and we have decided that for us, it is back to blogging time!<br />
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This is Josha, Kaegan's mom and communication sidekick! Kaegan and I have decided to join forces and share the responsibility of posting because I've been wanting to start blogging, too, and he was feeling like generously sharing! (insert smily face)<br />
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That being the case, as well as school starting back.. that includes college courses for our man, Kaegan!!... Here is Kaegan's self-introduction that he made for his online course that just started last week. Way to combine an assignment with autism-advocacy, Kaegan!<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-10264768781208742662016-12-05T15:49:00.000-08:002016-12-05T15:49:05.894-08:00Veering from FAQThis is a letter I wrote to a friend, in case it is helpful to you:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;">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 </span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;">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.</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;">your friend,</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;">kaegan</span>Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-10470533635903232392016-11-26T17:11:00.000-08:002016-11-26T17:11:03.130-08:00Friday Post on Saturday Again :)<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">This week, I want to clarify my opinion on “joining.” In so doing, I will answer a couple more questions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">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.”</span></div>
Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-37207721852643212712016-11-19T17:37:00.001-08:002016-11-19T17:37:24.636-08:00FAQ Saturday :)I received this message, including a question.<br />
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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)?<br />
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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.<br />
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Soma's blue book may also be helpful.<br />
http://www.halo-soma.org/store.php?sess_id=b27f871c54a0c27f11e3ad68806bd9ba<br />
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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.<br />
<br />Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-80725655470633542802016-11-14T16:56:00.002-08:002016-11-14T16:56:43.250-08:00KeyboardingThis 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.<br />
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Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-31393360912671162582016-11-04T19:15:00.001-07:002016-11-04T19:15:43.894-07:00I Am BackI am wanting to report on what has been happening these past few months that I have not posted.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Still Rockin' Around the Sun</div>
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by <a href="https://learn.illinois.edu/user/view.php?id=214408&course=17052" style="color: #3980c6; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Kaegan Smith</a> - Monday, October 10, 2016, 10:53 PM</div>
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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. </div>
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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.</div>
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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.</div>
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References:</div>
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http://129.237.201.53/books/malthus/population/malthus.pdf (quote)</div>
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http://www.ted.com/talks/jared_diamond_on_why_societies_collapse#t-1078959</div>
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And Now... Back to FAQ Friday!</div>
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Jake asks: What do you feel like your biggest personal quality is in relationships and/or being of service to others?</div>
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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.</div>
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Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-68972090508232581122016-07-01T20:54:00.000-07:002016-07-01T20:54:04.675-07:00FAQ Friday, July 1Aunt Misty asks:<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;">Can you pick up your letterboard and talk to someone on a moment’s notice, or do you need time to collect your thoughts?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;">Kaegan answers:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;">I am able to converse like anyone else and would love the opportunity to chat with you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Aunt Misty asks:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;">Are you able to text?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;">Kaegan answers:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 15px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Mtj2OTPz1ENrlF3lgDFbQbgZvNCWXsM75JeQKNBIey1-getU9C9Xh7NbHWM0aJXSB5hdrelp0XgVz1xWcD-_6UZwO5LztH6imArbrfapLKjlDPyI-atJV_9ZO7lK0nPpYPvTNnH2yWOP/s1600/IMG_4379.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Mtj2OTPz1ENrlF3lgDFbQbgZvNCWXsM75JeQKNBIey1-getU9C9Xh7NbHWM0aJXSB5hdrelp0XgVz1xWcD-_6UZwO5LztH6imArbrfapLKjlDPyI-atJV_9ZO7lK0nPpYPvTNnH2yWOP/s320/IMG_4379.jpg" width="240" /></a></span>Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-88244786714954996602016-06-17T16:26:00.001-07:002016-06-17T16:26:52.098-07:00FAQ's :)Jake asks:<br />
If you played quidditch, what position would you play?<br />
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Kaegan answers:<br />
I would play seeker because I am Harry-Potter-like: I am fast and a good person.<br />
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Mom asks:<br />
What was your most memorable birthday?<br />
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Kaegan answers:<br />
I think it would have to be when I got to ride in the limo.Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-50919122526704080432016-06-06T14:41:00.000-07:002016-06-06T14:41:54.919-07:00FAQ and ApologyI'm sorry that I have infrequently answered your frequently asked questions. Here are three answers for the past three weeks.<br />
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Rebecca asks:<br />
What is your "God Story?"<br />
Kaegan answers:<br />
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.<br />
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Dr. Nichols asks:<br />
What is your favorite method of learning math?<br />
Kaegan answers:<br />
I have enjoyed Khan Academy but I have especially enjoyed the lessons my mom prepares.<br />
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Duane asks:<br />
What is your favorite season in Colorado and why?<br />
Kaegan answers:<br />
I enjoy all the seasons, but maybe winter is my favorite because I love the snow and snowshoeing.<br />
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Keep the questions coming! I love them!Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-17091192858955993222016-04-29T20:41:00.000-07:002016-04-29T20:41:05.845-07:00FAQ FridayKaegan's Grandfather asks:<br />
How do you feel about your progress with RPM?<br />
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Kaegan answers:<br />
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.<br />
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Devra asks:<br />
Do you know your mom is awesome? Has she ever told you about the little midget car?<br />
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Kaegan answers:<br />
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!<br />
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Mrs. Bonfiglio asks:<br />
What is your ambition for the future?<br />
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Kaegan answers:<br />
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.<br />
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Mrs. Bonfiglio also asks:<br />
What are you most passionate about?<br />
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Kaegan answers:<br />
I am most passionate about sharing RPM with other autistics.<br />
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Teresa Rice asks:<br />
How to deal with sensory issues?<br />
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Kaegan answers:<br />
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.<br />
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More answers next week!Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-33132424969378963052016-04-17T09:10:00.001-07:002016-04-17T09:10:22.548-07:00FAQ.... SundayFAQ Friday slipped by! So here it is on Sunday....<br />
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Grammy and Grandpa ask:<br />
Can we hug you now?<br />
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Kaegan answers:<br />
I actually like hugs and don't know why my body turns to the side, and I hope you will still keep hugging me!<br />
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Faith asks:<br />
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?<br />
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Kaegan answers:<br />
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.")<br />
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Faith asks a clarifying question:<br />
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?<br />
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Kaegan answers:<br />
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.<br />
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<br />Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-6974393336719647872016-04-13T09:17:00.000-07:002016-04-13T09:17:41.896-07:00FAQ FridayMrs. B. asks:<br />
What was your biggest struggle when beginning RPM?<br />
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Kaegan answers:<br />
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.<br />
I am hoping you have great success!<br />
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<br />Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-56937382608762892622016-04-13T09:08:00.001-07:002016-04-13T09:08:09.339-07:00FAQ Friday<div style="margin: 0px;">
Kelli asks:</div>
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What do I do about my son always choosing the last choice I give him, no matter what?</div>
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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.</div>
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Julie asks:</div>
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What advice to you have for me and my autistic 12 year old daughter?</div>
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Kaegan answers:</div>
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I think that observing other 12 year old girls can help uncover the interests of an autistic 12 year old girl.</div>
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Cousin Cody asks:</div>
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How many percussion instruments are there? ;)</div>
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Kaegan answers (with a smirk):</div>
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By all accounts, I must say, all surfaces can become a percussion instrument and so I offer you the answer: Infinity.</div>
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Julie S. asks:</div>
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What was it like to go from one month no hope of asking a girl to prom, to the next month, asking and going?</div>
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Kaegan answers:</div>
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It was surreal and my date was the prettiest girl there, and she will always be my friend. I am thankful for the experience.</div>
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Melissa asks:</div>
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Do you have control over your singing? What is your favorite song to sing?</div>
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Kaegan answers:</div>
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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. </div>
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I like to sing praise songs the best like, "Light Up the Sky," because it fills me with joy.</div>
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Darla asks:</div>
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Have you found essential oils to help with focus, sleep, emotions? Specifically, have you tried the Reconnect Kit?</div>
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Kaegan answers:</div>
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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.</div>
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All the questions are fun! Keep them coming!</div>
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Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-22771719843558578772016-04-13T09:05:00.000-07:002016-04-13T09:05:19.712-07:00FAQ Friday<div style="margin: 0px;">
Question: What would you like for Grandparents to know?</div>
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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.</div>
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Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-49516750606887262712016-04-13T09:04:00.002-07:002016-04-13T09:04:10.479-07:00FAQ Friday (on Saturday!)<div style="margin: 0px;">
FAQ Friday! (posted on Saturday.. haha)</div>
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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."</div>
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Kaegan's Response:</div>
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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.</div>
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Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-716861176276282014.post-87675095678134806682016-04-13T09:02:00.000-07:002016-04-13T09:02:37.515-07:00The First Lesson<div style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The First Lesson</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">by: Kaegan Smith</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">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.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I won't give up, though, and I will gain control over my body yet. In the words of Winston Churchill, "Never give up."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">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.</span></div>
Kaeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14677055898987776498noreply@blogger.com2