Black and white photo of young adult female holding a flower outside

Rosemary M, age 15

Photograph by Nina Spinelli (2024)

Rosemary, a sophomore in high school, is reveling in her newfound independence and the strides she has made in conquering her fears. Each day, she navigates the hallways of her school with growing confidence. From entering the school from the carpool line to reaching her classroom unattended, Rosemary relishes her achievements.
Rosemary has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism. Through her ABA therapy sessions, she learned to make choices that benefitted not just herself, but everyone around her. Her hard work and perseverance not only improve her behavior but also inspires those around her.
Rosemary’s dreams know no bounds. From her fascination with ancient Egypt to her desire to become a doctor, she absorbs knowledge eagerly and embraces every opportunity to learn. Her love for life is infectious, whether she is running, jumping, or dancing to her favorite tunes.
Rosemary stands tall, confident in her place in the world. She refuses to be defined by others’ perceptions, embracing her uniqueness unabashedly. To Rosemary, being different is not a setback—it is a strength.

Family Connection of South Carolina provides services and resources to families who have a child with a disability or specialized healthcare need. Since 1990 we have served more than 100,000 families and today our services are needed more than ever. We focus on parent-to-parent support, guidance with navigating the complex healthcare system, and assistance with school meetings and special education plans.