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Alyssa lives with her parents and ten-year-old brother. She has a diagnosis of Autism. When she was a toddler, her mother felt that Alyssa “looked right through me”. Eventually she was able to show affection to her mother, but wanted nothing to do with anyone else. Today it is quite a different story. At the age of 8, Alyssa had become a very sociable little girl. Her mother credits Alyssa’s early intervention, pre-school, and kindergarten programs for helping her to gradually learn to perform tasks, interact with others, and participate in group activities. She has also benefited greatly from full inclusion in regular elementary school classes, where she has developed valuable relationships with typical children of her age.

Kelly lives with her parents, sister, and brother. She has a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy, Spastic Diplegic type, which affects both of her legs. Kelly has achieved a long-time goal to be able to walk independently. To achieve this she has had three major surgeries on her legs and has made much effort over the years, in physical therapy and a home exercise program. In past years, she has used various types of adaptive equipment, including crutches, leg braces, and a wheelchair when she has needed to travel longer distances. At this time she needs only orthotic lifts in her shoes.

Arturo, or “Artie” to his friends and family, lives with his parents. He has a diagnosis of Autism.

He is quite independent in most daily living skills, such as making purchases at the store, using the telephone, cooking simple meals, and helping with household chores. He is also a regular customer at restaurants and at a video store near his home. He takes public buses to go to work, recreational activities, doctor and dentist appointments, independently.

Christopher lives with his parents and three brothers. He has a diagnosis of Rasmussen’s Encephalitis. This is a progressive neurological disorder which, in Chris’ case, is characterized by intractable seizures, atrophy of the left hemisphere of his brain, partial paralysis of the right side of his body, and progressive cognitive impairment. In other words, Chris has developmental disabilities, which include Intellectual Disability, Seizure Disorder, and psychomotor impairments.

Jeng-Bond lives with three other young men and their caregivers, in a licensed home for children and adolescents with severe developmental disabilities and very challenging behaviors. He has a diagnosis of Autism, and is non-verbal. He lived with his large, very loving family for many years, until his behaviors became more difficult for them to manage.

Joseph lives with three other young men and their caregivers, in a licensed home for children and adolescents with severe developmental disabilities and very challenging behaviors. When he was young, his mother noticed that Joseph did not make eye contact, or reach typical developmental milestones. She sought an assessment, which confirmed that he had developmental disabilities in the severe range. Joseph has multiple diagnoses of severe Intellectual Disability and Autism, and he is non-verbal. He is totally dependent upon others to meet all of his basic needs.