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In this episode, Valerie chats with Shannon Laymon-Pecoraro, a certified elder law attorney, founder of East Coast Elder Law, and a nationally recognized voice in special needs planning. Shannon not only brings deep expertise in guardianship and estate planning but also shares her own journey as a special needs mom.

Shannon brings to her practice an exceptional legal skill, and a deep personal commitment to serving the community. Shannon is a recognized authority in her field frequently sharing her knowledge as a lecturer, both locally and nationally. She has delivered multiple presentations at Stetson University School of Law's prestigious Special Needs Trust Conference and is a professor for their tax certification program.

Together, Valerie and Shannon discuss:

• Shannon’s personal story of navigating her daughter’s diagnosis and the challenges of advocating for school supports.
• How early experiences volunteering at a camp for children with disabilities shaped Shannon’s career path.
• The realities of guardianship—why it’s required, how the process differs by state, and what parents need to know as their child approaches adulthood.
• The importance of estate planning and common mistakes families make when planning for their child’s future care.
• Why giving ourselves grace as parents matters when navigating late diagnoses and the day-to-day challenges of raising children with disabilities.

This conversation offers guidance for families thinking ahead about guardianship, special needs trusts, and transition planning—while reminding us of the empathy and patience we need to grow along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• Girls are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed with ADHD or autism; deeper evaluations may be needed.
• 504 plans can make a powerful difference in school success—even without a formal ADHD or autism label.
• Guardianship laws vary by region but share one truth: at 18, your child is legally considered an adult. Preparing early helps avoid gaps.
• Estate planning is essential—avoid disinheriting your child or relying solely on siblings to manage care. Special Needs Trusts exist to protect both assets and benefits.
• Parents must remember to give themselves grace—we don’t miss things out of neglect, but because we are often just trying to get through the day.

Connect with: Shannon Laymon-Pecoraro

https://www.facebook.com/EastCoastElderLawPLLC https://www.instagram.com/eastcoastelderlaw/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/east-coast-elder-law-pllc https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-laymon-pecoraro-cela-6271bb139/

https://www.eastcoast-elderlaw.com

Connect with me:

[email protected]

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

Editor: Scott Arbeau

Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada)

https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States)

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/