I started using the Rapid Prompting Method with my non verbal autistic 16 year old son who also has Apraxia 3 years ago. It was out of desperation that I decided to learn this method and try it with my son. He was so frustrated and acting out from being extremely intelligent but only being able to communicate simple wants and needs using an iPad communication app. Years of the ABA teaching method had not taught him how to communicate in sentences complex thoughts and feelings. He was asked to leave the private autism school at 13 and if they could not handle his behaviors the public school definitely would not be able to handle them. He was wearing a helmet and arm guards to keep him from self injuring himself and he was attacking us. After 3 years of using the RPM method he is out of the helmet and arm guards, back in school full time and he is in the process of completing 8th grade curriculum. We are in talks with the public school system about him getting an actual high school degree but even best of all, he now walks across the room to hug us and the sitters. He types out his thoughts on a wireless qwerty keyboard and he tells me he loves me. RPM has been life changing for our family. My son is honored to be asked to contribute writings to the Lynx Project, not only because, up until now, my son has never been asked to participate in anything. But also because we can help the Lynx Project spread the word about RPM teaching method and how it should at least be offered to every child with Autism who struggles with communication. Our family can not wait to finally be able to invite our friends and family to an event that our son has been a part of by contributing poems he has written that have been set to beautiful music and will be performed by professional singers/musicians. We are happy to be a part of and support the Lynx Project whose mission it is to spread awareness about RPM and give people like my son a platform to share his voice and be heard. Sincerely, Melissa Zepf
Our experience with Lynx has been wonderful. We have attended two performances that have been a great experience for our whole family. The performances have been both enjoyable & inclusive to everyone. The Lynx group even thought of extra accommodations to make sure everyone could enjoy the show. The sensory room/Break room was much appreciated. We are looking forward to attending future shows.
The LYNX PROJECT is a wonderful opportunity for musicians to use their talents for inspiring others. These alumni from our school banded together to create musical opportunities for under served communities and to bring their creativity to others using their beautiful voices. Their autism project was so exciting and I am using some of the songs that were written by young composers to the words of citizens with autism in recitals and performances here at school.
Lynx Project is more than a concert series or musical troupe. This is an important social organization working to give a voice to everyone, through the means of excellent high art. To Lynx Project, art song is more than music - it is a vessel through which change can be imparted to a broken society.