CPOY

CPOY 70 International Picture Story Silver: For Kenth

It was just a short amount of time and several doctor visits before Britta Rasmussen realized that her son Kenth’s slow development was actually a mental handicap. Prepared to take on the challenge of raising him at home, she soon realized that as he progressed into adulthood so did his mental illness. His violent behavior became overwhelming for the family and Kenth was sent to live in an institution in hopes of a better life. However, the reality that first greeted Kenth was far from ideal. Life in an institution designed for people with Autism only heightened his violence and misery. He retreated to isolation. Years passed until a day came for Kenth to be moved. An institution near his home county called Solund in Skanderborg, Denmark, had recently been transitioning into a philosophy called Gentle Teaching. Today, Kenth is 35 and is one of over 200 residents at Solund. Through the support of his family, and the care of his caretakers, his once violent behavior has transformed to reveal a complex and curious man. Almost 8 years in the making, Kenth has a second chance.

Caption
Slide 5 of 8
Kenth peers from around the corner of his closet in his room. Due to a fall that led to a brain injury during the summer of 2014, Kenth is required to wear a special helmet and his entire room was lined with padding.
Brittany Greeson / Western Kentucky University
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