Apr 11, 2016
3 Aaron's Musings

My language story

I am always talking but am about as nonverbal as my brother Austin.  That is because the things that come out of my mouth are just the nonsense that I have in my brain.  About 2 years ago, my mom took me to Soma at HALO and she taught me how to type on a letter board.  It was an amazing experience and now because I can communicate, I know that I have a future.  I don’t know how she does it but she just expects you to know the answer.  I guess it just gives us confidence that we can do it.  My ability to communicate has opened up my world.  I am so thankful that I can share my thoughts!  I am now able to use an iPad and am always trying to get better at writing independently.  I still usually hold the hand of my mom or dad when I type because it helps me see the letters more clearly for some reason and helps calm my thoughts.  My teacher at school is helping me to type independently and I am getting much better at it.  And I am going to keep working hard because I want to go to college some day and it’s not like my parents can come to class with me, can they?  Now, I assure you that all of these words are mine.  My language is the key to my success.  I am going to succeed.  I promise!

Aaron.  Wordsmith and thesaurus reader. And among the most agile authors in my house.  Ok, the most agile author in my house. [Editor’s note (dad):  Hey!!!!]  Later.

About author

Aaron Jepson

I am a 21-year old male who was diagnosed with autism at age 3. I am only partially-verbal and have a very difficult time expressing my thoughts by mouth but I am able to type on an I-Pad. My goal in life is to help other people with disabilities, and to let the rest of the world know that most people with autism are intelligent and capable and can make a great contribution to this world. I am funny, athletic, and most of all, handsome. And I am a fast runner, a cool skier, and a sweet mountain biker.

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Comments(3)

  1. REPLY

    Cami Dixon says

    April 13, 2016 at 7:59 am

    The old line needs to be updated for modern times but it still applies…”The pen (or the iPad) is mightier than the sword!” You are a true warrior, Aaron.

  2. REPLY

    Cynthia Akazawa says

    April 13, 2016 at 7:44 pm

    Aaron, my son is on the spectrum as well, but now at 12 he is fully verbal. I have some theories about what might have blocked his speech until he was six or seven…he had difficulty with motor skills as well, and it was like his brain couldn’t tell his oral motor skills to work. The speech therapist recommended sports because of the connection between large motor and oral motor. You say you are athletic, so maybe your issue with speech is different. I don’t know. But you are obviously a very articulate man, and writing is opening up many possibilities for communicating with the world. Please keep the blog going. It gives hope to many parents who don’t understand that their ASD kids can think well but just can’t always show it. It also might bring positive social opportunities that weren’t possible before.

  3. REPLY

    Greg and Christina Walker says

    April 17, 2016 at 6:18 pm

    Aaron, you are an inspiration to us. We love being able to read your thoughts and get to know you better through these posts! We miss your family a lot. Take good care of your parents and brothers.

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