It’s been 10 years since Susan Boyle appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, and wowed global audiences. In January 2021 she was interviewed for Entertainment.

Asperger's

Since Susan’s first appearance she’s gone on to sell millions of records worldwide. In 2012 she was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and says she feels she continues to be judged and misunderstood, by people who don’t understand the condition; but are too quick to judge her.

She says that people still look down their noses at her. I found out in January 2019 that I had Asperger’s Syndrome, which explains my own mental and emotional struggles, as Susan's words begin to sink in. (Source: entertainmentdailycouk)

Living with a disability

Disability brings discord and disharmony, not always because they have something against someone with a disability, but because they may not understand how to deal with someone, because of how we may present.

My disability is cerebral palsy and autism, which is a neurological disorder DSM-5 classified. Although I needed time to learn and understand for myself, why I presented the way I did and why I have struggled, I needed to understand, but others also needed to understand and even if they didn't, just not judge.

Sensory issues

Sensory issues are always difficult to deal with, made harder because there is a lack of understanding of what that means. We may deal with situations a little differently, and whilst we all have our different strategies and coping mechanism, others need to accept that we live with difference.

In a world that is already changed through Covid-19 and it's not just about disability and being different, tolerance, patience and understanding is what is needed.

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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2 comments on “Judged and Misunderstood”

  1. People may often say that kids can be cruel, but they can actually be downright sadistic, which they seem to learn from their parents.

    If you're different from what is considered 'normal' people tend to be very judgmental, even when it's not a way that you would choose to be.

    My girlfriend is extremely upset with me, due to my ADD and obsessive thinking; but it isn't like I do these things just to annoy her.

    I'm sure that is why I relate to my niece so well who happens to have Asperger's, seeing as I have a lot of the similar issues.

    It is frustrating and aggravating that people actually think we want to be the way we, are when we would actually give just about anything to be normal!

    1. Thanks Randy. I think it's good that a celebrity like Susan Boyle has come forward to talk about her disability in this way.

      Our differences should be embraced. If the shoe were on the other foot, others would want you to be more tolerant.

      Yes, I agree with you, I am sure if you could choose to be 'normal' you would, if it meant you were not being judged or misunderstood for being different.

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