James got to see one of his favorite RPM therapist’s last weekend and she lives in NYC.  My husband mentioned that we were planning a trip there in June and asked her if she had any recommendations for our visit. James was listening quite intently to their discussion although you might not have known that from  his body language.  One thing I have begun to realize is that James hears pretty much everything and he may look distracted or disinterested but he is taking in all of it. So when he was asked by the therapist to start an essay he said “MAYBE NOW WE CAN TALK MORE ABOUT NEW YORK”. She very kindly obliged and here is the conversation.

James: DO PEOPLE STAY UP VERY LATE?

Therapist: Well its just like any city, some people stay up late and others go to bed early but it is definitely true that there is always something to do in New York at any hour of the day or night.

James: WHAT DO LOTS OF PEOPLE IN ONE PLACE DO ABOUT FINDING ONE ANOTHER IF THEY GET LOST?

Therapist: Well lets think about what people do to find each other in less populated places.

James: THEY WAVE THEIR HANDS

Therapist: That doesn’t work in NYC so its important to stay with someone at all times and keep your cell phone so you can call someone if you need to. Are you worried about getting lost in New York are you feeling anxious about that?

James: THERE IS THE SCHOOL STUDENT WHO GOT LOST IN NEW YORK. (click here to read about Avonte Oquendo)

Therapist: Yes, you must be thinking about Avonte.

James: WHY DIDN’T HIS TEACHERS FIND HIM?

Therapist: I don’t have an answer for that but perhaps you could give some advice for keeping people safe.

James: MANY NEED FULL TIME ATTENTION AND IT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.

Therapist: That is really true, can you tell us what needs to happen if someone escapes.

James:

FIRST: EVERYONE NEEDS TO OPEN THEIR EYES AND ENTER THE COMMUNITY WANTING TO HELP OTHERS.

SECOND: HOW ABOUT FIREMAN AND POLICEMAN HAVE DEDICATED TRAINING FOR AUTISM.

THIRD: SENDING INFORMATION WITH THE STUDENT IN THEIR POCKETS.

Therapist: What information should be included other than name, and contact information?

James: THAT THEY CANNOT TALK BUT SMART THEY ARE

Therapist: Anything else to keep people safe?

James: GETTING ALL TO RECOGNIZE THAT WE ARE FULL MEMBERS OF SOCIETY IS CRUCIAL TO TRAINING AND TO LIFE.