Non-verbal Autism - letter of thanks

Mitch has non-verbal autism. He was thought by most to be "mentally retarded" a few years ago. In this video he points out a letter to his Church on his letterboard - thanking God and the congregation for their prayers and support during his long journey toward communication.

Mitch starting pointing to communicate at age 9. It took a few years before he was fluent. This video was shot after 2 1/2 years of practicing. No, it was not overnight - and no, it was not easy. It takes a lot of dedication and persistence.

It is imperative that educators and medical profession realize that just because an individual does not talk or can not perform the motor activity requested - this doesn't mean they are cognitively disabled! They are INTELLIGENT human beings. Speech is a MOTOR activity and due to these individual's motor difficulties they are often unable to "perform" the activities requested. Even though Mitch is able to communicate now, he may still have difficulty getting a shirt - if asked. He may instead put his shoes on. He says it makes him very angry that he can not pull the right motor movements of how to "get his shirt." etc. from his brain.

Mitch can now communicate. He loves reading the Wall Street Journal and invests in stocks. He is very good at stocks, but he is not a savant. He is not unusual. We believe that ALL non-verbal individuals with autism (or other disorders with motor impairments) can learn to communicate and find jobs that fit their disability.

We must change or attitude toward these individuals and accept them as intelligent human beings. TALK to them normally. READ to them age appropriately. GIVE them the means to communicate. TEACH them so that they can become a part of our communities. LOVE them for who they are.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• nonverbal
• non-verbal autism
• nonverbal autism
• RPM
• HALO
• Soma
• Soma Mukhopadhyay
• The HALO School
• Rapid Prompting Method
• Soma RPM
• letterboard
• letter board
• pointing
• communication
• special education
• letter to church
• Mitch
• Talking Back To Autism
• A Mother's Courage
• A Mothers Courage
• The Sunshine Boy
• autistic
• typing
• HBO autism
• autism awareness
• Mukhopadhyay
• nonverbal communication

[NonVerbalAutismMom]

Read to him age appropriately. Then ask him a few questions regarding what you read. Write down answers as you spell them outloud on two small pieces of paper, let him choose. Start out reading a couple of sentences then ask a question, then gradually read more. Once he learns to listen to you and starts answering the questions, then ask him to spell the answers he picked on a letterboard. It all takes time. Maybe a year or two, but your son is will get there too! Remember he is intelligent!

[1ofmeNlotsofU]

amazing guy . Im glad to see he's got a positive attitude. :)

[tasqmom]

I have a non verbal son who is almost 5. How did you teach him the letters? Amazing !

[SuperPhysicsguy]

Great letter, Mitch!

[saucylady2000]

I am very impressed by Mitch. Holding the letter board in front of him does not seem to be influeincing his choice of words. This is so unlike FC. This method actually works!

[nezumi35]

amazing- very inspiring video. Thanks for sharing

[fast45ful]

hi lisa it is me tiff that was a great letter and it was so lovley what he said

[griffinej5]

Mitch, I'm sorry they're doing this to you. It looks like he's extremely stressed out, and that head banging needs to be addressed, particularly since you're working at a glass table.

[carol3hawks]

My non-verbal autistic son...does not understand letters, is unable to write, but he also has Downs. Mitch is remarkable and wrote a beautiful letter!