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Grand Island teen with autism creates 'Some Really Good News' videos

Reagan Fast, 15, of Grand Island, offers insight and smiles through her YouTube videos.

GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. — Social distancing and staying home is hard for many of us, but that's especially true for people living with disabilities.

Now a Grand Island teen with autism is making YouTube videos to express herself.

Reagan Fast, 15, is mostly non-verbal, but she has profound thoughts and writes them through a computer letter board. 

After being inspired by her Grand Island High School English teachers and actor John Krasinski's "Some Good News" videos, she's writing her own scripts for her own good news video series, and her parents help her speak the words. 

"It is fun to make connections with people and celebrate the good things they do for each other. It also helps me keep less focused on myself and think more of others," Reagan said.

Reagan shared that social distancing is increasing her stress and anxiety. But at the same time, it's familiar she said, because sadly people with often feel socially distant. 

"Most of us are used to being socially isolated, so that part is not a big deal. The main problem is the change in routine, especially wearing a face mask if they go out. I do a lot of praying. Wearing a face mask was hard for me but I imagine myself as a superhero wearing a mask and I was able to wear it the entire time in the supermarket." 

WGRZ first interviewed Reagan two years ago when she was knitting hats and giving proceeds to other kids who wanted to learn the Rapid Prompting Method which she uses to communicate.

Click here to see that story. 

"She has a unique perspective and sometimes I just love how she brings us back to what's real," said Reagan's mom, Rebecca Fast. 

Click here to see Reagan's YouTube video. She'll have more episodes in the coming days and weeks.

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