Answers from Autistics
Here are some common questions parents may have for their children and the answers given by two of John Paul's friends, Luca and Aiden, through the assistance of letterboarding.
Aiden Nadler
Do you prefer the term "autistic person" or "person with autism"?
“I think of myself personally as autistic first. It is everything. It is pervasive in every experience. I really don’t expect people to understand the experience of others anyway. I don’t care much what labels you use. Thanks for asking though. People mostly assume it’s how they see it.”
Should I try harder to help my child sit if it looks hard for them?
“I don’t think so unless they are doing something that requires sitting. We need movement. Maybe you should practice sitting when it’s not required.”
My kid won’t eat anything, how do I get him to try something new?
“Keep Exposing him to it, we sometimes need to work up to new things by seeing, smelling and touching it more.”
Luca Ricci
How much should a practitioner, CRP or parent push a student in a spelling session?
"I think you can exasperate a student by having him spell too much when he isn't available. Rest is my advice. You shouldn't push individuals to communicate. No potential student would like that. Offer resting strategies to them."
What is a resting strategy?
"A resting strategy is unique to the student. This is to know your boundaries. When is too much to handle. Depleted bodies are a mess not to pay attention to."
What is your resting strategy?
“Rest by reading my scripts.”
When John Paul passed away, Luca spelled:
"Love requires no spoken words. Love conquers Apraxia."
These sentences are written on a painting Luca made for John Paul, the first on the front and the second on the back.