Misunderstood Moments is a storytelling and art initiative by Lens of Youth that amplifies the real-life experiences of individuals with developmental disabilities. Through authentic narratives paired with powerful illustrations, we aim to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and foster empathy, promoting inclusion and compassion in our communities.
We envision a world where individuals with developmental disabilities are seen, heard, and valued without judgment—a society that embraces their unique experiences with dignity, respect, and meaningful support.
Misunderstandings of behaviors associated with developmental disabilities often lead to stigma and exclusion. We invite you to share your true stories to educate the public, illuminate the challenges and triumphs of individuals and families, and spark meaningful dialogue. Together, we can break down barriers, celebrate diverse journeys, and build a more inclusive community.
There are two ways to contribute:
Stories
“Wahhh!”
The screeching from the living room interrupted the chatting moms, all of whom dashed to check on the infant napping on the sofa. There stood my 5-year-old son, staring at the crying baby, frozen in place. The baby’s mother quickly scooped up her child while the other moms looked puzzled.
“What happened?” I demanded, expecting an answer to the unspoken questions in the air.
My son, who had just gotten off his bus from a special education preschool, calmly replied, “I want to watch TV.”
Before I could formulate my next question, the other moms quickly interjected: “It’s late, we should head home now.”
Feeling numb, I ushered everyone out the door with an apologetic smile.
After much consideration, we discovered that he thought he could not watch TV if the baby was sleeping around him. To watch TV, his solution was to wake the baby up.
Quotes
“Every behavior has a reason behind it. If something seems unusual, it might be because you lack the knowledge to fully understand it.”