>I was immensely moved by this poem, it captured how our children feels day in and day out, yet many are not able to express it. Thank you to my dear friend for sharing this with me. 


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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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? 

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. 

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.