Hello and welcome back. This week I am speaking with Leylani Cardoso.  She is a mom of two and her 18 year old has Down Syndrome. Leylani shares her positive outlook on this diagnosis and she’s had years of experience to go off of. 

She starts by sharing with me how devastated  they were when Sophia was born and diagnosed. She said she wished they had spent less time worried about milestones and what would be stereotypical and had spent more time just being with Sophia and making memories. 

Leylani explains that she learned very quickly it was all about making and giving opportunities to her daughter. If ballet didn’t work out, that’s okay. They tried something new.  She explains that Sophia started out in earlier intervention programs but has been in mainstream school and will graduate with a standard diploma this year! 

We both agree that if parents spent more time saying “what if?” In terms of schooling and options instead of being frustrated, our children could be having better experiences. Leylani also loved to share about her daughter’s YouTube channel. She explains how she loves to bake and get all dressed up, so naturally the next step was the try their hand at a YouTube channel. It has given Sophia so much confidence and is a great example for others.

Who is Leylani:

I’m a mom of two; my daughter is an extraordinary special needs individual with Down Syndrome. When she was born we were devastated, having been in my twenties we never suspected an issue until birth. The geneticist, who gave us the news saw I was crying  inconsolably as she showed me pictures in a calendar of beautiful  children with Downs Syndrome. Finally she gave me the best advice ever. She said “what if I told you she was a typical child who just needed some help in certain areas? Would you be okay with that?” I started nodding in between sobs. So she concluded “then that’s what you have ;make her your project.” It took me a little time to absorb it all and I can say that not enjoying her those early months is my biggest regret. Today she’s 18 and will be graduating from high school with a standard diploma. I feel like part of my life’s goal is to counsel young moms of children with special needs not to waste their precious time worrying so much.

Connect with Leylani/Sophia
IG: https://www.instagram.com/cheekysassyme
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/cheekysassyme
E-mail: cheekysassyme@gmail.com

Connect with Kara:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Kararyska/
Website: https://www.kararyska.com/
Pathway to Peace Consult: Link Here
Group Coaching Program: Schedule a Consult