Prospective Families

People may see me a little differently because I don’t like to chit chat and I’m a pretty active guy. I like to move around instead of sit at a desk, but I always get my work done. Sometimes I stand while I work. At Cotting School, my teachers and friends see everything about me, without labels. I am smart, I can tell you interesting facts about my classes, I am a great piano player and I love using technology. iMovie is my favorite!

I have Autism, which makes it difficult for me to focus and pay attention. Sometimes, I don’t really like to talk much, but I’m listening hard and can tell you about what I’m learning in my class, like world cultures and different cities. In school, I work with my teachers to practice Math in the community and also do Yoga/meditation each morning. I recently started a job at the YMCA folding towels; I’m really good at it. After school, I attend theater group with my friends. It might not always seem like I am interested, but I really enjoy being around people, especially my family, teachers and friends. My teachers at Cotting School see that, and they help me figure out ways to connect with people.

Some people see me as a person with Down Syndrome. At my school people see a person who enjoys working and going skiing with my friends. Everyone at Cotting School knows I’m working hard to achieve my goals of living independently and going to college.

I have been a student at Cotting School since I was 12. I have made many friends at Cotting and also have a boyfriend. I work hard in my classes and also going out to a job two mornings a week. Like any teenager, I love to have fun in after school activities, ski trip, dances, prom and best buddies.

This year has been very exciting for me because not only am I a Cotting student but I am also a HOPEhouse student! I live at HOPEhouse overnight Monday-Friday. I am working on budgeting, meal planning and preparation, and doing laundry and other household chores. I am enjoying living with my friends and we like planning social-recreational activities together. Sometimes we disagree, but when that happens we try to make compromises. I think that HOPEhouse will help me become even more independent.

There are times when people look at me and all they see is my disability. Luckily my school sees me for who I am. At Cotting School I’m a student who enjoys Math, having fun with friends, and playing basketball.

I have Autism which I was diagnosed with as a child. My Autism causes difficulty in my ability to communicate and form relationships with other people. I also have a seizure disorder.

At Cotting School my teachers adapt the lessons they teach and help me work at a pace that is good for me. This is great for me because I excel at high level Math concepts and the more time I spend learning the better I get.

Sometimes when I meet new people they expect me to think and respond at a fast pace. When people are patient, take the time to get to know me, and give me the time I need to respond, they learn how smart I am, that I like to joke around and that I have a great sense of humor!

At home I like to spend time with my younger sister. My Mom and Dad like to watch me play basketball and my family and I are very involved in our church. Oh yeah, and my mom always needs my help with electronics and technology…I don’t know what she would do without me!

Sometimes people look at me and all they see is my wheelchair. At Cotting School, my teachers and friends see everything about me, without labels. I am smart, I love to learn, I have great taste in music, and I’m really good at making friends.

I have Cerebral Palsy, which is a brain injury that makes it difficult for me to control my muscles. In addition to CP I have vision impairments. I don’t see and I don’t speak the way a lot of other kids my age do.  Sometimes adults and other kids assume that I don’t know what is going on around me, but I am very aware.

At Cotting School I’ve made many friends. Every day at school, I work with people who help me overcome my challenges and teach me things like Math and Science. In my classroom I’m writing stories and learning about the weather! I receive therapies while I’m at school, too.

Afterschool is the most fun because I get to do things with my friends. I play baseball and soccer. I enjoy getting to know new people and I try new things. With the support of my family, my school, and my friends I get to participate in all kinds of things.

My Mom and I recently spoke at the State House in Boston, Massachusetts to advocate for Special Education Circuit Breaker funding. You can watch us here to learn more!