- Lais Ribeiro, a former Victoria’s Secret Angel, is a mom to a 15-year-old son who has autism. She is also a stepmom to two younger kids.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Lais Ribeiro. It has been edited for length and clarity.
I became a mother at the age of 18 when I gave birth to my son, Alexandre. It was a challenging experience, especially as my modeling career took off soon after his birth.
To pursue a better future for Alexandre and my family, I made the difficult decision to leave him with my family in Brazil while I worked in the US. However, only being able to see him every three months was incredibly difficult.
When Alexandre turned 5, I was finally able to bring him to the US to live with me. It was during this time that we discovered he had autism. I then began my journey as a mother to a special needs child.
I wanted Alexandre to be independent
Initially, I was in shock, as I knew very little about autism. However, through research and connecting with advocacy organizations like Autism Speaks, I learned more about Alexandre’s needs and how I could help him become independent and advocate for himself.
One of the biggest challenges we faced was breaking down the stigma surrounding autism. By sharing our story, I aimed to raise awareness and educate people about families like ours.
Today, Alexandre is 15 years old. Although he may not want my hugs and kisses anymore, he still enjoys spending time with me.
Now, I’m a stepmom to 2 younger children too
Last year, I married my partner, Joakim Noah. Our wedding not only officially brought us together but also made me a stepmom to Leia, 6, and Emaan, 4. With my sister also living with us, we have a beautifully blended family.
My mother once advised me to show discipline along with love, and that guidance has helped me tremendously in being there for all my children — biological and non-biological. As a frequent traveler, it’s important for me to strike a balance and provide nurturing while also enjoying quality time with my children.
As Alexandre grows older and our family expands, finding balance has become easier. I now have to travel less than before. Alexandre understands and is proud of the work I do for our future.
Self-care used to be about how I look; now, it’s about how I feel
I prioritize self-care, and as I’ve gotten older, it’s less about my appearance and more about how I feel. Relaxing in the sauna or doing a cold plunge helps me recharge. I also make an effort to spend time outdoors, as vitamin D boosts my energy and makes me feel refreshed.
I’m grateful that Joakim and I enjoy working out together. We have weight training sessions that allow us to bond while focusing on our health. Additionally, I personally enjoy Pilates, and as a family, we love traveling and exploring new places.
Being a mom to a special needs child and leading a blended family can be challenging. While I may be known as a supermodel, being a supermom is my main focus. In fact, I’m preparing to expand our family even more and looking forward to the new memories we’ll create together.
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