A Deaf Kid with a Rare Syndrome (A Proud ASL User)

Laynie is diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome, which has caused her to be Deaf. She is a proud American Sign Language user and loves to teach signs to anyone who wants to learn. If Laynie could send one message to the entire world, she would teach everyone how to sign "I love you."
Support SBSK at / sbsk

[@SandiByrd]

It will always warm my heart when Chris asks permission to ask if he can talk to the Mom about their medical info. It's such a personal thing - it's a lovely show of respect to ask Laynie if it's okay.

[@jmk1962]

I totally agree. Nothing worse than talking about someone over their head especially someone as bright as Lainey.

[@jujuoof174]

Yeah it should be normalised as the bare minimum :]

[@hannamaeh]

I love that Chris included so much of him asking how to sign things! I’ve taken ASL classes and still the toughest part when I meet a deaf person in everyday life is feeling nervous to ask how to sign specific words or phrases. It’s a good reminder that we all crave communication and connection and there’s nothing embarrassing about asking for help!

[@nerysghemor5781]

Do you have any suggestions for overcoming that anxiety? Fear of making a fool of myself when I try other languages is a really hard one for me.

[@js8303]

I would love if ASL was taught in school! Laynie seems super sweet❤

[@fruit032]

It was offered at my high school!

[@js8303]

@@fruit032Oh that’s awesome! I wish they had it at my school, I would’ve loved to learn! I know a little sign, but only the basics😅

[@avcis]

its an option as a language at my school, ive always loved asl and im so grateful i have the opportunity to take it as a class.

[@purplerain0517]

Asl is taught in schools in the city...and country...I live in.

[@kristicollett7887]

My son's school has ASL as a forien language.

[@DetectiveKittyCat]

I also have charge syndrome. I was waiting for the day this channel had a kid with charge. It’s fascinating to see others with charge and what range of disabilities they have. I’m both hearing and visually impaired. As well as others. I’m fortunate that my heart is normal. I’m glad laynie seems to be doing well with her challenges

[@alexadec23334]

yea we can tell you hwve it looking at ur account

[@taetaerinn_]

Laynie's reaction to the "What's the best thing about your dad?" is so silly but sweet 🥰

[@christineesemprini]

Laynie seems extremely clever and observant. I wish her only the best for her future! Hoping her family can make a collective effort to learn asl! I can imagine it must be quite isolating if you have this sort of language barrier at home.

[@SelinaCat]

Yeah, something about it seems off.

[@cristianjuarez1086]

​@@SelinaCatwdym?

[@debrajohnson6473]

Keep learning MOM! Don't be a statistic. Don't let her age discourage you or make you think it's too late. It's never too late!

[@CharGC123]

I think ASL is by far the most beautiful and expressive language! I had a deaf aunt and uncle and also took ASL classes so I know quite a bit, but I'm better at signing than receiving... I don't have enough practice talking to deaf people on a regular basis, so I am s-----l-----o-----w at reading signs! Good for the parents for recognizing it is essential they learn to sign because Laney cannot learn to hear, and communication is literally everything! There are lots of video resources online now to learn and hone your sign language skills, do a little every day and it adds up quickly! I hope Laney gets to regularly socialize with other deaf kids, it is so important for her mental and social development! So nice to meet you Laney, you are adorable and smart! The ONLY thing Deaf people can't do is hear, you will go as far as you want to! Hugs!!! ❤🧡💚🤎🤍🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@Moonpower.]

I love how respectful Chris always is, not just switch the conversation to her mother like she isn't there but ask Laynie first if it's ok to talk about her. And Laynie, you are a beautiful smart girl, well done in the interview!

[@RealityTrailers]

She's really cool, and thanks for introducing her to all of us❤

[@Tser]

I really appreciate that you ask the kids permission to ask their parents questions. It's so important for everyone to have agency, and I know personally (as a Child of Deaf Adults and disabled person myself) that people who are d/Deaf, disabled, etc. are often spoken over. Especially a problem when interpreters are present, and they talk to the interpreter, or with family present, when they don't let the disabled or d/Deaf person express themselves.

[@waffles3629]

Yep, being talked over sucks. One pediatrician I had growing up would address every question to my parent who was with me. Even ones they would have no way of knowing the answers to. I eventually put my foot down and demanded a new pediatrician, but it was so humiliating. I'm also disabled (though I wasn't till my teens) and while I occasionally allow other one person to make medical decisions for me, it's not very common, and only when trauma history makes it too hard. But that's with my permission and request, which so many people just don't get the decision to make. Everyone deserves agency, even children.

[@natassiacorrea7249]

She is so sweet and so focused on the conversation. I was hooked up all the time!

[@MyChannel-ct6gr]

This is one beautiful, loving, and humble family...you can just see every one of their hearts; especially Laynie. One wish, and it would be for only 2-3 cookies; that says everything. This family is doing it right. I know it's hard, excruciating at times, but if I were to meet them in person I would tell them (just like I know every one of Laynie's doctors & teachers have been saying to them all along) to just keep doing what you're doing because you're doing a good job and Laynie is doing great. I wish I could meet them in person. And yes, I do have tears while writing this comment. Thank you to everyone for this video. Videos like this reinforce God's presence in my heart and that he truly does hear. Thank you SO much for your hearts.

[@deanawells4395]

I recently met a girl on the boardwalk at the beach resort I live at that was deaf and she taught me all kinds of sign language words. We had so much fun together. Her her parents and I went to play ski ball together and won a bunch of tickets that she cashed in for a stuffed animal. She signed I love you to me at the end of our time together promising to stay in touch through her family Facebook. I hope every year she comes to visit on vacation I will have learned more sign so we can talk to each other easier ❤

[@toonytowny9469]

Lol having the ability to wish for anything and wishing for two cookies is seriously adorable.

[@cristianjuarez1086]

Its so pure, it feels like we can see her soul with no barriers

[@dk237]

Lainey is such a bright beautiful little girl! Her siblings are so sweet. Watching how supportive they are of each other and how they communicate in ASL is so inspirational. What a precious family!

[@Tser]

For Laynie's mom, there are really great online resources now, like chances to practice ASL online with video chat groups! I'd say it's even better now than it was before the pandemic. Before there were a lot of d/Deaf and ASL meetups in person, but not as many online. When the pandemic hit, a lot of them moved online, and now that people can get together again, those in-person ones have started up again, but thankfully the online resources remain available. Practicing with native speakers is always the best way to learn a language, so it really helps. And I'm sure you know about Lifeprint and Bill Vicars here on KZbin, but just in case anyone wants a great place to start, his website and KZbin channel are the best ones I've found.

[@celestialcircledance]

If the family really wants to be more versed in sign language I think it may be helpful to throw themselves on the deep end and schedule a two week silent staycation where there's no talking or even typing allowed . I bet that necessity could really help speed up the learning process !

[@courtr1588]

Honestly, they don't need to isolate themselves. They just need to connect with the Deaf community, and immerse themselves in its culture.

[@knubbel2062]

Hello, thank you very much for the great interviews with the children and adults. I am from Germany, studying special education and your interaction with people is a role model for me. The videos inspire me every time, thank you so much

[@ArielleDatnoff]

What a beautiful family and such bright children. Laynie did an epic job with the interview. 💞

[@hallie-l4w]

I love Laynie!! I’ve known her for a few years she’s the sweetest. I’m so happy that she got to be on this channel!! One of my favorite people on one of my favorite channels. Love you lots Laynie hope I get to see you soon

[@spicycheesegaming8390]

What a super beautiful girl she is, i hope she does well in her future life, stay strong girl ❤❤

[@juliarose1818]

I love how Chris got down to Laynie's level and really tried communicating with her in ASL. I really appreciate that with every child he meets, he communicates with them at their pace and using their methods. I wish there was more exposure to sign language in schools, and kids could just learn it as a required language, like French, Spanish, German, Italian, etc. My only exposure to ASL was communicating with a deaf girl I made friends with at a summer camp. Kids learn languages surprisingly fast, and I was surprised how rapidly I was able to communicate with her. I still actively learn ASL because of that girl I met at summer camp, and I hope this video inspires other kids to do the same. Laynie you are amazing!

[@jeremiahallyn4603]

That's why he is one of the best people in this world. If only more people would emulate him and his actions, maybe our world would be a little kinder 🫶

[@franceslock1662]

Not all countries use the same sign language.

[@jujuoof174]

Yeah exactly I wanna learn that

[@jujuoof174]

@@franceslock1662 yes also that

[@Favia.SeatedWithGod]

She so smart and so pretty. I love her laughs. She did amazing in her interview and she’s a great sign language teacher.

[@EmmeYoung-v7e]

I love her voice! She sounds like a purring cat!

[@cristinaclancy2665]

She is so beautiful and sweet. I love that she teaches others ASL to communicate with her. 🥰

[@kimberlyrose144]

Love the authenticity with the family. It’s hard to be supportive sometimes, and ppl do their best which may not be super amazing. This interview, while serious and important, still put a big smile on my face with the sheer joy of their love.

[@ScottBeck-hk2lq]

Shes precious and SO smart. Not letting anything hold her back. How wonderful. Keep it up Laynie! The world is yours for the taking.

[@ElectricSizzler]

Laynie is a sweet smart little girl. She seems very calm and wise beyond her years. Her and her family and beautiful. I wish everything good and great for them. I know asl I do think it would be a really good idea to add to education across the world its always good to know. Much Love and Respect for this family 🥰

[@dylangrigsby3904]

So... Did anyone else sign "I love you" at the screen? Or just me?

[@balaam_7087]

Hi Laynie! Your video was magnificent. I used to interact with lots of people with many different disabilities, and I learned a bit of sign language to help me communicate better. But my skills are no match for yours! I really really wish ASL had been taught in school when I went there. I’d jump at the chance to learn it from a skilled teacher-maybe one day you could teach other people how to sign! 🤗

[@taylor3950]

If she could wish for anything she’d want two or three cookies. Those are some achievable goals

[@jessicashlager7193]

I love that she’s teaching you some phrases and words, and that you were asking her to teach you. If you were really interested in learning sign language, I would take a course at a local community college, because American Sign Language has its own grammar and sentence structure, which is different from English.

[@lifeisgood6074]

This girl is absolutely the sweetest thing ever!!! And it’s clear how loving the family is! Yet another amazing interview- I’m so thankful to have these videos to help educate and inform- great job by all!

[@cesia9954]

🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 Thank you for Those interview Chris!! It was really nice to meet Laynie and family. I'm studying ASL, and I love it!!

[@ConcreteRiver]

what a wonderful little lady and family. I am always moved to tears by SBSK interviews.

[@alejandrawalker5045]

This beautiful girl is so sweet and loving. What a blessing to her parents!

[@H4CK41D]

Laynie is a very cool kid. When are we all going to learn sign language? That's a key thing about accessibility in general that ive learnt, is that it's useful for everyone!

[@Blitzkrieg1976]

What a beautiful and confident young lady! She'll tell you like it is!

[@juliad.9576]

Laynie and her family are amazing! Thank you so much for this interview!

[@sonnybobsquarepants266]

Hello Laynie, i live in New Zealand. I think you are awesome!

[@kathydelucia123]

What a special little girl and a great family. Great example for the rest of us.

[@Gabby-np9eu]

First! She’s so cute and seems like a lovely person ❤

[@jrnestreehouse4405]

As a heard of hearing person still learning sign language, thank you for teaching us ❤ Such a beautiful family!

[@purplesquirrelgaming1465]

She's pretty cool I have a cousin who was born deaf and I learned how to do ASL through my cousin. And me and her vid chat using sign language. And it's helpful to know ASL in the work force because if someone is ordering food, I can communicate to them in sign language.

[@johnjobin7694]

Laynie is amazing❤️ Sending love to her and her family❤️

[@Zabzabzab]

I want to take a moment to commend Chris for being so respectful and inclusive. Did you notice how he was looking directly at Laynie, not the interpreter? It was wonderful to see him make the effort to learn her language. I was surprised that her parents and siblings don't seem to sign at all in this video. The only time I noticed her dad signing was when he signed "play," and that was it. I have to admit, I feel concerned for Laynie. Her parents mentioned that they’re struggling to keep up with her as she grows older, and it seems like this is limiting their ability to communicate with her on a deeper level. It must be tough for Laynie to be restricted to toddler-level conversations when she’s capable of so much more. I really hope her parents make learning ASL a priority. I know her mom finds it challenging, but with consistent effort, it becomes easier. It could also be helpful for Laynie and her family to connect with deaf adults, which could enrich their communication and help Laynie develop her fluency.

[@spoons2075]

Loooooove this video! What great people❤️ I have wanted to learn sign language for a very long time! I love how dad brought up visual disabilities and hidden disabilities. I have a hidden one and it’s HARD out there in the world. I am so thankful Chris goes out there and finds these fantastic families I can relate to how tough it can be sometimes and also wonderful! Laynie and fam are awesome😎

[@melissawilliams2325]

I think it would be cool if Payton and Laynie met because both of them are Deaf and have another kind of disorder

[@masey423]

Payton is a teenager now!

[@joyis9638]

Laynie is definitely a star, radiating love and happiness. It is so great to see how each member of her family treasures her. I guess that is because Laynie loves and treasures her family and friends. By chance I could not use the sound on this video so I got a bit of taste of what it might mean to be deaf. The sign language was cool but I wonder if I could be very good at it. Probably in time I would be since as an ESL teacher, I use a ton of gestures in my classroom for the students to learn English. May God bless Laynie and her family and friends with ever more love and happiness!

[@linajcp5104]

this video actually got me to try and learn asl

[@r.nicogorodetzky3084]

I absolutely LOVE your smile!!!!!! And you're so kind and thoughtful! May we one day meet and be friends, too! (And your siblings too, you're all so wonderful!!)

[@jamievackicev4905]

Thanks for teaching me some good words!!!

[@felicityatkinson]

Laynie is beautiful and radiates happiness. Xx

[@alexaang9814]

Such a wholesome family, also the sister is extremely mature, I'm impressed..

[@mscampbell1242]

Really enjoyed Laynie!! Smart little girl...

[@erikamoorman9197]

Love this video!! I would be so happy and lucky to have a friend like Laynie and to sign with her!! 🤟🏽

[@alexisbutler5650]

I’m in my second year of taking ASL and it was amazing being able to understand a lot of what she was signing

[@nomiguberman8879]

What a lovely family! You are truly inspiring! ❤

[@marleenninaka1303]

Hi everyone: It's so nice to see you all again on KZbin. I want to meet you all one day. Take care and stay safe.

[@kantnergirl08]

I hope the family keeps learning sign more together, it would benefit her sooooo much ,,,,,,KEEP TRYING FAM

[@Nan-59]

I love this girl’s sense of HUMOR! When she told her mom she was “good” at signing!😊 ❤❤❤ 🎉🎉😊

[@Zabzabzab]

honestly, she's telling the truth.... she probably suck at it, i feel bad for Laynie...

[@kristenhart4984]

She is the cutest thing in the world. God bless her. ❤

[@roseestrada3689]

I love her ❤ she's a blessing a child of God. God bless you and you're family.

[@unicorn3025]

🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟 Sign language so beautiful I wish sign language were teach in school 💔

[@Thegeordievegan666]

I think sign should be a mandatory subject in school, whether it is ASL BSL or Makaton . I would love to learn

[@BNHAalltheway]

Laynie is super sweet love how Chris asked to learn some sign language and she has a very loving family

[@jujuoof174]

God bless her and her family! I've learned a bit of sign language thanks to this video, so thank you for that! This kid radiates with gppd vibes and a fun attitude, I wish the best to her! Amen.

[@LiveForever13]

I can use BSL, I don’t know how many overlaps there are (British sign language). Proud of ya ❤

[@markstoyreviews6641]

it always makes me sad when i watch these videos it makes me so Emotional all the time

[@shalacarter6658]

Hi Lanie! Thank you for this interview. You are sweet and kind and adorable. When I was 8 , my friend Eloise, was Deaf. I knew some ASL, but it was so different when her Deaf friend would come over and they signed so quickly. I went to school to learn ASL when I was 28. I struggle as well. I have to encourage ppl to sign while they are talking to other people. So, if someone is hearing, they should always sign what they are saying to the other ppl around you. I know it can be hard to sign and talk at the same time unless you use SEE. For people who do not know, that is Signing Exact English. It is signing exactly what you are saying instead of using ASL. Blessings!

[@Heather_Morgan]

I wish ASL was 1 of the languages offered in school. Everyone should have the opportunity to learn if they want to. It's much harder on your own, but of course it's possible. I learned a lot of ASL when I was young, but I forgot most of it over the years because I never had anyone to use it with. It's like anything else, if you don't use it you lose it. I hope these parents are able to continue learning more ASL so they can communicate better with their daughter as she grows up.

[@msbkay]

gosh i always wanted to learn ASL! what a cool family. many blessings to them

[@truegemrn]

I used to sign the message for my church but I always had a hard time understanding when another person would sign.

[@bryanbirney2866]

Breaking my heart a minute in.. I've wanted to learn sign on my own for many years

[@reneefurrer2712]

Watch a precious little girl.❤

[@twistedcryptid]

Extremely fascinating!! Thank you for helping me learn some sign language young lady!!

[@nathanjoerndt5021]

I agree with the sister about sign language sometimes its easy and sometimes its hard sometimes I have deaf customers come in the store and I try to communicate with them. someday I am going to brush up on my sign language and communicate with deaf people 😊

[@nosse5232]

Very cute child i hope she lives a long healthy life

[@lexxycoppola4501]

You are a true visionary. God bless you.😇😂

[@jasoncaldwell0613]

I love this channel and all of the amazing kids ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@debbieschultz9768]

What a beautiful little girl ❤

[@DudeWhoSaysDeez]

I learned ASL in college. Its an easy language to learn and it lets you communicate with a lot of people.

[@luchirimoya]

I wish she could teach us ASL, she is such a passionate girl and such a great teacher!!

[@stephenmcgraw8871]

She`s such a doll....what a beautiful soul--she`s gonna break some hearts in a few years.......GOD bless her and her family......only one thing that`s wrong though:Dad,bend that friggin` visor!!!lol

[@JoBenny67]

She’s gorgeous!

[@JoaniesDollPhotography]

Wonderful interview!

[@mysteriousgyrl4ever]

Ya got a new friend and I know ASL too ❤

[@amrita4468]

“I’d probably want cookies.” I just fell in love. Laynie, you are charming! I wish ASL was taught in all schools for everyone.

[@heatherelizabeth9008]

Couldn't love this any more! ❤❤

[@kelllogreen27]

She's soo cute bless her heart 😄💚😭

[@sweetgirl070707]

"It's like having a normal sister, but you need to know sign language" was very funny to me

[@thefadingmoonlight]

My coworker is deaf. She has helped teach me sign language. I've had a lot more fun learning it than other languages!

[@mikecampos5123]

Laynie is an awesome caring friend ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@shalacarter6658]

Thankfully, there are so many YT videos where ppl teach ASL. Also, if you have a phone, you can use it to communicate.

[@madiArabella]

They’re both so adorable :)

[@natalieroylance8096]

I took ASL in school for four years . I love it

[@SunilKumar-nm5md]

Laynie is just awesome and cute pure soul angel 😇 💖 💗 💓 ❤

[@javi9038]

5 millones de galletas, eso fue divertido😄. Ella es un encanto💖🌟

[@yessicavelez472]

Más que divertido, sus prioridades y su condición, realmente me puso los pies sobre la tierra, hermosa

[@javi9038]

@@yessicavelez472 Estoy de acuerdo 💯

[@truegemrn]

So sweet how she says “ohhhhh”! 🥰