Yi's Voice

This has been a special summer. It is the first time that I can communicate with others. It makes me feel very happy. I especially like the summer camp. It is the best that I have ever had. I am very pleased that people recognized that I am smart. That makes me feel so great. Today I am proud.

I am at a summer camp. It is very fun. I like it. It has many activities. For example, I like the game of scavenger hunt today very much. It is lots of fun. I like to spend time with Ryan and Nabil. They helped me make friends. I was able to talk to other kids. That made me happy. 

Today I went to a new summer camp. It is very fun. I like the game of go fish. I was talking with a boy. It is very nice to play with another kid. Ryan was there to help me communicate with others. It was really cool. It has been wonderful to make friends! I am having such a great time! This is going to be the best summer ever. I really like to make friends.

Today is a great day. I have a blog. It is wonderful to be able to share my thinking and receive many comments. I am very happy! Three months ago, I was not able to share anything. Now I can write, make friends, and demonstrate my intelligence. I am forever grateful for getting to learn RPM. 

Today we went hiking in Edgewood Park. We went there because I was able to let Mom know what I wanted. This is the first time that I am telling mom where I want to go. It is very empowering. I want to be able to share my point of view to others.

This week I am staying home. I have COVID.  On Monday I went to Half Moon Bay with mom. I had a great time. Tuesday morning I went to Edgewood with Dad. I was happy. I enjoy outdoor. Today I join Natalie.  I don’t miss school. (With dad) I’m excited  I wrote a diary. Excited Proud

Context from mom: Yi did not have a voice before March 2022. He's a 9-year old boy who is minimally verbal and autistic. "Hope I can talk" was the first thing that he shared with us when we finally found a method that allows him to express himself. See video below:  To read more about our journey and how Yi got from having no words to be able to express himself and now has his own blog, see the story HERE .