As a mom whose child is minimally verbal along with tons of others in the Somali community and around the country – I am always searching for what can help my son and others to communicate better and effectively.
We know that Picture Exchange Communications System (PECS) helps kids communicate their needs and wants. We also know that there are lots of new technology such as iPad and others that help children.
Recently, I came across a method called RPM. This was developed by a woman named Soma from India who also has a minimally verbal autistic child. We always assume and wrongly that children with autism who are nonverbal can’t learn or can’t communicate. This is wrong by any measure of the word. And, Soma proved this for so many parents across the country and around the world.
Soma first came to the U.S with the help of a Hollywood mom named Portia Iversen who also had a nonverbal son and lived in California. Portia also started Cure Autism Now which later merged with Autism Speaks. Soma gave so many people with autism a voice and an opportunity to learn.
There are not still a lot of research done on RPM, but I have hope and confidence that researchers will get interested in this and let everyone see what we as autism parents see – there is hope for our kids who are minimally verbal. And, all children and adults with autism are capable of learning and communicating at their own pace to meet their full potential and their best outcome.
Many school districts in Wisconsin and other states are now learning about RPM so they can use it to teach their students. I hope it grows and Minnesota becomes part of that growing movement.
It is our job as a society and advocates to make sure they do. As a mom, I have no doubt in my mind that my son is a gift from God who can learn and progress when given the opportunity to do so.
Here are some links for RPM to help you understand better.
RPM clinic in WI called ACE (note they can come to Minn for workshops – let me know if you are interested and we can have our kids get RPM together in one workshop)
Above words are my opinion and do not reflect any committee.
Thanks!
Idil – Somali Autism Mom & Minority Advocate