A Poem
The Misunderstood Child
A poem about children with hidden disabilities
by Kathy Winters
I am the child that looks healthy and fine.
I was born with ten fingers and toes.
But something is different, somewhere in my mind,
And what it is, nobody knows.
![](https://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzMwF73o5M62Tl_w6nANSvGB51rmdpvo_Z2jGN8wEq6-Mjhdxi3Q)
I was born with ten fingers and toes.
But something is different, somewhere in my mind,
And what it is, nobody knows.
I am the child that struggles in school,
Though they say that I’m perfectly smart.
They tell me I’m lazy — can learn if I try —
But I don’t seem to know where to start.
![](https://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQkUFMa0DsZq2mEvXyFckc4j1sfxo5Sj9uEiLxLVtbGOmLiI_pyZg)
Though they say that I’m perfectly smart.
They tell me I’m lazy — can learn if I try —
But I don’t seem to know where to start.
I am the child that won’t wear the clothes
Which hurt me or bother my feet.
I dread sudden noises, can’t handle most smells,
And tastes — there are few foods I’ll eat.
![](https://www.publicservice.co.uk/dyn_graphics/image-225/child-old-shoes-poverty.jpg)
Which hurt me or bother my feet.
I dread sudden noises, can’t handle most smells,
And tastes — there are few foods I’ll eat.
![](https://www.publicservice.co.uk/dyn_graphics/image-225/child-old-shoes-poverty.jpg)
I am the child that can’t catch the ball
And runs with an awkward gait.
I am the one chosen last on the team
And I cringe as I stand there and wait.
![](https://pombi.blogg.se/images/2008/sad_girl01_23105728.jpg)
And runs with an awkward gait.
I am the one chosen last on the team
And I cringe as I stand there and wait.
![](https://pombi.blogg.se/images/2008/sad_girl01_23105728.jpg)
I am the child with whom no one will play —
The one that gets bullied and teased.
I try to fit in and I want to be liked,
But nothing I do seems to please.
![](https://heartlandfamilyservice.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/CopeTeasing.jpg)
The one that gets bullied and teased.
I try to fit in and I want to be liked,
But nothing I do seems to please.
![](https://heartlandfamilyservice.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/CopeTeasing.jpg)
I am the child that tantrums and freaks
Over things that seem petty and trite.
You’ll never know how I panic inside,
When I’m lost in my anger and fright.
Over things that seem petty and trite.
You’ll never know how I panic inside,
When I’m lost in my anger and fright.
I am the child that fidgets and squirms
Though I’m told to sit still and be good.
Do you think that I choose to be out of control?
Don’t you know that I would if I could?
![](https://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRqUTNnKTEtcLLD7PZk4pB72FYD453P1UwPxjgkQL02OSZQ-_olpg)
Though I’m told to sit still and be good.
Do you think that I choose to be out of control?
Don’t you know that I would if I could?
I am the child with the broken heart
Though I act like I don’t really care.
Perhaps there’s a reason God made me this way —
Some message he sent me to share.
![](https://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcStkwAijSouLyqZMtWc6CCgszTySillV5PUmEsnSrvdBfDwTSQdGw)
Though I act like I don’t really care.
Perhaps there’s a reason God made me this way —
Some message he sent me to share.
For I am the child that needs to be loved
And accepted and valued too.
I am the child that is misunderstood.
I am different – but look just like you.
And accepted and valued too.
I am the child that is misunderstood.
I am different – but look just like you.