Mijha and her husband live in Atlanta with their three daughters—ages 9, 5, and 8 months at the time of this conversation with Child Life On Call. Her middle daughter, Violet, was born with challenges that became evident only months after birth, leading the family on a journey through genetic testing, therapies, advocacy, and acceptance.

Violet’s Early Story

Violet spent two nights in the NICU after birth due to jaundice. Though prenatal testing showed no abnormalities, and doctors initially sent the family home without concern, Mijha later learned that Violet’s Apgar score had not been typical. At three months, her pediatrician noticed Violet seemed “floppy” and referred the family to a neurologist.

Over time, it became clear that Violet’s development was delayed. A genetic test revealed a rare triplication on chromosome 15Q—a condition associated with developmental delays, autism, seizures, hypotonia, and significant cognitive challenges.

Navigating a Rare Diagnosis

Violet’s symptoms include severe developmental delays, autism, and seizures. She is able to walk but remains nonverbal. For Mijha, these realities were especially difficult given her deep value for education and academic achievement.

Mijha describes the emotional toll of the diagnosis: the guilt she carried, the grief over the family she had imagined, and the ongoing process of shifting her mindset. She emphasizes the added burden of advocating as a Black woman in healthcare—where small details, presentation, and preparedness can make the difference in how a family is treated.

Therapy, Growth, and Personality

Violet has participated in speech, occupational, physical, hippotherapy, ABA, and school-based therapies. While some therapies were exhausting, others brought out Violet’s unique personality. ABA therapy, in particular, allowed Mijha to see her daughter’s stubbornness and humor shine through.

“I thought I wasn’t going to get to know her personality,” Mijha says. “But we have—she’s stubborn and she thinks she’s funny.”

Lessons in Acceptance

Mijha admits she once thought she could never handle parenting a child with special needs. Yet Violet has taught her the true meaning of acceptance:

• To release the idea of “what should have been.”

• To allow space for anger and disappointment as part of the grieving process.

• To recognize that joy, connection, and love often look different—but are just as profound.

Her advice to parents:

• Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. You’re already doing your best.

• You don’t have to be your child’s therapist—you just need to be their parent.

• It’s okay to feel mad, sad, or disappointed. Those emotions are part of moving toward acceptance.

Beyond Parenting: Jambo Books

Inspired by her daughters, Mijha also founded Jambo Books, a children’s book subscription service delivering stories that feature children of color in everyday, Western settings. From slaying dragons to playing at the park, these stories show kids that they belong and their identities matter.

“I want to be able to send books that teach children that it’s okay to be different,” Mijha says. “It’s just a different way of being in the world.”

Learn more at jambobooks.com.

Memorable Quotes

• “It’s alright to be disappointed. It’s alright to be angry. For me, it was one of those stages of grief—letting go of the family I thought I was going to have so I could embrace the family I have.”

• “I had such a monolithic view of people with special needs. I thought I wasn’t going to get to know her personality, but we have—she’s stubborn and she thinks she’s funny.”

• “I want to send books that teach children it’s okay to be different… it’s just a different way of being in the world.”