What part of me can be misunderstood.

​In this space, we’re sharing the things we wish others understood about us. The parts that aren’t always obvious, but shape our experiences in big ways.  We find it can be easy to be misunderstood but when we understand each other better, we can support each other better. 
 
At times people can underestimate my ability to do the things because of my disability but I am a smart woman and can do so many things. On Wednesday's I help run a cafe, I take orders, make coffee and hand them out to customers, some people may think I can't do that but I can and I'm getting better and better each week. I live with my parents but that doesn't mean I don't help around the house, I clean my room, wash dishes, make my mum and dad coffee, set the table and other things too. I like to be helpful and help set up and pack down at my activities, my favourite task to do is emptying the bins and take apart the media wall. I love to work a part of a team and help people out. Some people may think I'm just Claire, but they are wrong, I am Princess Claire! This is Princess Claire signing off, see you next week.
 
What people misunderstand about me is that I’m into different type of music and history. And if people say that isn’t interesting, I think it is, especially history.  Some people have said to me why would you want to remember history stuff, it’s pointless, and I’m too young to remember or understand. I don’t understand why people are so ignorant about my music knowledge and I don’t even understand why people don’t like the type of music that I’m into like from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and some of the 90s like from Pearl Jam to Southern Sons but saying that, I get my music knowledge from my parents like my mum because she knows lots of musicians like John Farnham, David Hirschfelder and Peter Reggie Bowman. I also know the Rayne family and I’m so grateful that my mum got me into different types of music.  If it wasn’t for my parents I would never have been given the listen to the music or get a chance to see them like Southern Sons, Jimmy Barnes, Cold Chisel, Bryan Adams and Noise works.  I’m so happy I got the opportunity to see the John Farnham concert in March this year. In saying that how many young ladies get to see a lot of Australian musicians in their lifetimes and get the chance to meet them as well. It’s like me seeing Southern Sons too many times and I also got a chance to meet Ross Wilson from Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock as well and of course I got a chance to meet Russell Morris who sings “The Real Thing”. Did you know that Ian “Molly” Meldrum was the producer and Johnny Young was the writer and did you know the original film clip was lost. By Ash.
 
 
Today’s topic is about things that people misunderstand about me. What are some things people misunderstand about you?
One thing people misunderstand is my preference for cooler days. I am not bothered when daylight saving ends or begins. Many people prefer summer because they like the beach and sunshine. I like the beach too, but I do not enjoy very hot temperatures. Some people might think I am different for liking cooler weather. At Umbrella Support, everyone respects me and understands my comfort levels. I like cool days because I enjoy wearing tracksuits more than summer clothes.
In primary school, people picked on me a lot, which felt very unfair. I went to a mainstream school, and some people treated me differently because I have special needs and I am quiet. It hurt when people were rude to me. In sports class, we often had to work in pairs, but nobody chose me. The teacher had to assign me a partner. One time I was paired with a boy who got frustrated with me because I did not catch the ball properly. I felt isolated. Thankfully, I do not see those people anymore.
However, I have a friend from high school who is very kind. We caught up after Anzac Day last year and went to The Glen. She asked me if I felt lonely staying home alone. She misunderstood me because I actually feel very happy when I am at home by myself. Even though she misunderstood that, she knows many details about me because we have been friends for a long time.
My aunt misunderstood me too. At a family lunch last year, she put a microphone near my mouth because she thought I liked to sing or dance. That is not who I am. I did not get upset because she had not seen me for a long time and did not know my preferences. She also did the same to my other cousins.
When I was in school in Jakarta, a teacher once spoke to me in a loud and sharp voice and told me to pay attention. She was not aware of my condition. I did not cry, but I did not like it. Sometimes my parents also use a sharp voice, but I understand they want me to grow. I appreciate that teachers in Australia are more aware of my condition.
Another aunt once assumed that I might have children in the future. She said this to me on WhatsApp, not in public. I replied, “Please respect my decision. I do not like kids.” She respected my decision after that. Even though she misunderstood me at first, I still love all my aunts and uncles. She also sends me stickers on WhatsApp, which I like.
Sometimes people misunderstand me because I talk very fast. I think it is because I get excited, and that is how I express myself.
Thanks for reading. I hope everyone respects my comfort levels.
Princess Jacinda signing off.
 
Hello my name is Shan and this is what people misunderstand about me.
I believe and have observed that this world we live in isn’t always very accommodating to those who might be different, have extra needs or just don’t fit the mold of what is considered ‘normal’. While there are many places that are truly wonderful and very inclusive of all humankind, I have seen and experienced the complete opposite throughout my life. As you can imagine it doesn’t bring joy or make me feel very hopeful in that moment. I will say that I feel very supported and loved with the people in my life and know where to go if I need to talk about anything. I also would like to point out that these are my own experiences and observations. I don’t speak for anyone else. 
 
I feel like I am in-between two worlds in life. I can’t explain that sentence but for those who understand it, I am with you and you are valid.
 
Some people misunderstand that I have an invisible disability which means that you cannot see my disability physically and that just means I look like I don’t have a disability. Because I sometimes need help and extra support with things in life. I have been to many appointments to get this. That process has made me feel like I have had to prove that I have a disability. It’s a interesting experience and I’m sure many people can join me in saying it’s not always the best experience Here is when I have felt most misunderstood. To be misunderstood in a place where disabilities are supposed to be understood is very confusing and disheartening.
 
Now I know that I don’t need to disclose or share with everyone that I have a disability, it’s on a need to know basis and I’m not going up to random people and telling them. Some people however when I have told them they have instantly tried to console me like I have told them the worst news ever or they say something like “well you don’t look like you have a disability.” For future reference that’s probably not the best thing you could reply with when someone tells you if they have a disability. 
 
Honestly, I feel most misunderstood when people make assumptions about those of us with disabilities, invisible disabilities and mental health challenges. It would be more helpful to ask questions or educate yourself on things that you don’t understand, I do it every single day for a world that I don’t understand. 
Your friend, Shan 
 
My mate Matthew is good at animation like and working on animations just like me, but he's so good at animation and I like him.
My sister she the smartest and she was doing the homework for the study and she looks pretty. She likes Collingwood and she loves popular singing like Taylor Swift, she loves Melbourne Storm and she goes to too many concerts but it’s pretty awesome.
My brother he's good too and he's loves playing guitar of any rock music he likes Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Foo Fighters he likes that music.  He also likes footy, he likes any sports and he loves Richmond and I do hate Richmond because Collingwood is better after this.
I tell my mate Matthew and he also likes horror movies.
I post on YouTube and Instagram because everyone likes to watch my videos and other people like my videos.  They are just funny and hilarious. 
Some people may misunderstand my music taste but me and my mum went to Knotfest.
Yes I love heavy screamo music and a stranger dude asked me what's my favourite song for Slipknot and I say my favourite song is “Sulfur”.  Korey.
 
Hey friends, how are you? today's topic is Why do some people misunderstand me?
I am always thinking that some people say I talk quietly and can't hear what I am saying. When I meet people for the first time I feel anxious because I have not met them before, but once I get to know them, I feel comfortable and speak a little louder.
I have good friends who know me, and love and respect me, I thank my family and friends for being a part of my life and wellbeing. On the 24th of April I am being invited with my friends from Umbrella Support to attend at the Lyrebird Community Centre for a morning tea where we are asked to say a little speech regarding Anzac Day. I am so excited to do this as it will give me more confidence to speak amongst strangers. 
This is Beth signing off who one day could be a guest presenter at a major event. What part of you is post misunderstood?
 
Hello, it’s Ronalda! 
This is a tricky blog for me, it’s hard for me to tell you what parts of me are most misunderstood but I can tell you who understands me!
My support workers understand me, they make me happy. Sheridan understands me, and that makes me happy, if I need help I know I can ask her. I can ask the other support workers too, like Steph, Krystle and Cindy because I know they understand me. 
At home my mum understands me and I can always ask her for help, my sister is also very helpful and kind to me, she understands me. 
Krystle and Sheridan help me learn how to do cooking on Tuesday’s, they understand how to assist me with things in the kitchen because some people may think I can’t do cooking but I enjoy making things in the kitchen with some support I can do this! 
On Wednesday, Steph and Sheridan assist me so that I can make coffee, some people may think I can’t make coffee but with some help I can make coffee. Steph and Sheridan taught me how to make coffee because everyone learns differently and because they understand me they can teach me in a way that I understand. 
On Thursday, Sheridan helps me with my blog I tell her what I would like to write and we talk about things and she types it because I struggle to type. I know the letters on the keyboard so if Sheridan spells it out for me I can type she understands how I can complete a blog, teamwork makes the dream work! 
When we do media Krystle helps me she’s really good at the cameras. I also feel that I can work with and ask my media team for help, they understand how to help me. On Friday I make coffees again, repetition is good for me and learning. Making coffees on Wednesday and Friday’s means I get to practice twice a week. 
If I want to read I can ask someone to read it to me, some people may think I should know how to read. Just because I can’t read doesn’t mean I don’t understand, I can read familiar words like my name. Just like writing I don’t know how to write sentences but I can write familiar words with assistance on spelling. I will always give things a go. Like today I am telling Sheridan my words and she is helping me write them together. 
There are parts of me that are misunderstood but I’m happy that I have people who understand me. Goodbye from Ronalda.
 
What make people don’t understand me is hard because I am deaf I can’t hear really well and my mind can get angry easy.  I can see red in my mind. But I’m good at gamer and can make people laugh and learn new things easy. I do have friends who care for me and love me, I don’t like people who be drama all the time because it makes me feel bad.  What I love is everything and my friends take care of me the most and I will take care of you back from your good, all I need is good friends to you all, you all, I need to happy life, have great day and happy Easter. I love to hangout with my good friends who are not rude or mean people all I like is friends and love because they’re nice people, but weekend is off now because Happy Easter soon. TJ
 
Things that people don't understand about me is that have anxiety sometimes but I am working on it. Sometimes it is hard for me to get my anxiety out so I get people to support me.
Sometimes I use strategies to calm myself down or talk to someone sometimes. doesn't stop me from doing things that I want to do. Ben.
 
The most misunderstood part of me would be my height and or my age.
I remember one time I went on holidays with my friends to Tasmania and we went to a sports bar for dinner, because my friends and myself know I’m of age to be able to drink. One of my friends went to the bar to buy the drinks, the bar man said you can’t buy a drink for the little person, so my friend got a bit defensive and got a bit loud at the bar man.  So I went up to the bar to help calm down the situation, and showed the bar man my I.D, he then was very apologetic to myself and my friends. 
Then I felt very bad for my friends because I’m an overthinker and I think maybe it’s better if I don’t go out with my friends due to my height and the situation that usually does happen. 
Sometimes I even have kids who stare or yell something out, about my height, which my brain allows it to ruin my day, but I’m learning and jokingly say I’m like a leader of the kids or something.
I had a person come up to me and say “oh we were just talking about how old you are, I said 28” which is amazing for me but in my head, I was thinking why were they evening talking about me and my age, why does it matter to them?
Another thing I think I get misunderstood about is from myself, I say this to myself on a regular basis, that I don’t know where I belong and that frustrates me.  So I kinda feel like I’m here but mentally I’m not here, if that make sense. I get mad at myself too because sometimes when I feel like I can’t have a proper conversation with people around me. So I stay quiet or the safe option is I talk about my cats Banshee and Maggie. Or I think about how I feel stuck and everything and everyone is rushing past me, which also upsets me because I feel like I haven’t achieved what I should at my age. But I’m learning that everyone moves at a different speed, so you could say I’m moving like a snail but in the right direction, well I hope I am anyways.
This was a hard topic to write about, but I think having a little rant about what people misunderstand about me and myself included, is kind of a weight off my shoulders for a little while.
Thank you for understanding my frustrations about people misunderstanding me.
Haley. 
 
Dear readers, this week's topic is what part of you is the most misunderstood. Readers, I have a question, what part of you is most misunderstood?
Let me start by telling you about what  most people misunderstand about me, and that is my anxiety and yes I struggle.  But, I have learnt different techniques to deal with it and calm myself down. Some people misunderstand that I have a learning disability and might look and think that I can't do daily tasks but I can do daily tasks like housework, cooking, organising taxis and organising what I might need do every week like for work. Things such as my work clothes and my work bag, that I’m learning to drive and that I'm pretty smart.  I'm very independent to be honest. Readers, I'm struggling with today's blog because I have brain block. Readers, have you ever had a brain block?
written by Charlotte