Invisible Pain

Photo Credit:Buddhi Kumar Shrestha

Age: 11 years old

The hurt of living with neurodiversity as an 11 year old in grade 6.

“Mom, everything I have is invisible…but I’m not.”

This was after a particularly rough day of school. His classmates were being less than kind to him, making fun of his disabilities and injuries. He was called names such as “deformed” and “autistic” (the classmate insinuating it in an unkind way - though he is not), and being picked-on in general by several other kids (some who have learning disabilities of their own).

There was so much sadness and hurt in his voice. What he said - I thought - was perfect. His disabilities are invisible, but he is a real boy, with real feelings, who feels real pain.

Sixth grade is tough. Sixth grade with invisible disabilities must feel impossible.