Thank you all for your kind comments and thoughts regarding Amy and her prom. It has been an exciting time for us, as her family, to watch her grow, and be accepted as a vital member of her school and our community. Some have asked how it is we were able to have Amy included in the “regular” school setting and were able to facilitate this inclusion for her. Here in NH, inclusion is a concept that is strongly considered as an option for even the most delayed children. As a family, we made a choice early on that it was important for Amy to remain a visible part of her community. We noticed that even at an early age, Amy loved being around active, healthy children. Of course, being the second of our five children, she had plenty of action right here at home.
Now, please do not think I am proposing this as the best solution for every child. Each family knows what is best for their child. For Amy and our family, this has been the best plan. Two of Amy’s healthy friends are attending college, majoring in education with a special education concentration. They tell me that growing up with Amy has influenced their own plans for the future. So, for me, I feel that Amy’s inclusion has been successful not only for her, but for her peers as well.
Sorry to have rambled. I just wanted to let some of the younger parents know how we put Amy’s plan into place. Have a dream for your child. Ask people to give your child a chance. I still believe that even the most developmentally delayed children can have very rewarding lives if we give them a little help.
Again, thanks for all your kind comments on how beautiful Amy looked on Friday night!
Maryellen Costa (NH, husband Gerry, Tim age 20, Amy 19, Ricky 17, Laurie 15, and Joe 10)
My Current Medical Condition/Seizures/Meds
I am enjoying the best health I’ve had in years after a major jaw surgery in February. I have maybe 2 small seizures a day and 1 hard tonic/clonic seizure every 2 weeks. I am on Lamictal 150mg BID and Clorazepate 5.63mg BID for my seizures. We use Diatstat if one of my seizures lasts too long.
My Favorite Things Are:
I love smooches and hugs from my family, my friends at school, music, movies, my computer, swim therapy, and Disney World!
My Least Favorite Things Are:
I hate the rain on my face, cold weather and cold foods, having my teeth brushed, and having my face washed.
Toys That I Find Stimulating and Learn From Are:
My Powerbook G3 Laptop computers (switch activated), my switch activated tape player, Furby.
Therapies I Receive:
I receive PT 3 time/week at school, OT 2 times/week, speech therapy 2 times/week, augmentative communication 2 times/week, swim therapy 2 times/week, and vision therapy once/week.
I Currently Attend This School/Daycare:
I am in the 7th grade at Pelham Memorial school. I have a nurse with me and am fully included at grade level, though my work load is adapted to meet my IEP goals.
Goals I Am Working Towards:
My goal for every day is to drink in the world, eat life’s desserts for my main course, and to clothe myself in the love and affection of my family and friends. Oh yeah, I guess I could work toward more consistent switch use with my computer, too. *smile*
A Typical Day for Me Includes:
I get up at 6 and am off to school by 7:30. I get my therapies, hang with my friends, do my school work, do some cooking most days, and man the school store along with some of my classmates. I get home around 2 and watch some television, listen to music or take a walk. I get some range of motion, spend time with my nurse some days, and do an hour’s worth of homework with my laptop. I hit the tub and am off to bed by 9.
Something Else I’d Like To Add:
My mother says I am special for many reasons. While society may look at me as being “imperfect”, she says I will do something no one else she knows will ever do. I will live my life with no sin. I guess that’s as perfect as perfect gets. Years ago, we were so concerned about how many seizures I had, how much PT and OT I got. Now we look for things that can just make me happy, things that make me smile. I gotta tell ya…Life is pretty darn good these days.
1 thought on “Amy Costa”
I remember Amy and your family from conferences around 2008. How is she now? My Tara is turning 26 this week and has been very stable and healthy for 10 years. I would love to connect with you.