Nurturing Self-Esteem in Disabled Children: Addressing Body Image Concerns

Living with a disability can present unvoiced challenges for children, affecting various aspects of their lives, including self-esteem and body image. In this article, we will explore the sensitive topic of what happens when a disabled child perceives themselves as ‘ugly’.

It’s crucial to recognise the collective effort of parents, family members, teachers, friends, and caretakers in nurturing a healthy sense of self-worth in disabled children.

Understanding the Impact:
Children with disabilities may face societal misconceptions and prejudices, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Societal misconceptions can take various forms, such as stereotypes and biases that label individuals with disabilities as incapable or less worthy.

For instance, a child with a visible physical disability might encounter stares, whispers, or even exclusion from social activities based on these misconceptions. Society’s lack of understanding and awareness can contribute to a sense of otherness, impacting the child’s perception of self-worth.

These emotions can manifest in concerns about their physical appearance, potentially causing them to perceive themselves as ‘ugly’ in a negative light. This perception of ‘ugliness’ may stem from internalising societal standards of beauty that often exclude those with disabilities.

Embracing Positive Role Models: Imani Barbarin
Born with cerebral palsy, Imani Barbarin advocates for disability and inclusion as a black woman living in America. Imani can be a valuable role model for disabled children facing body image concerns. Her advocacy encourages a shift in perceptions about beauty and worth.

Caregivers can attune to Imani’s story and insights and take them as a valuable message to encourage conversations with the disabled child about self-compassion, different perceptions, and the importance of embracing one’s lovable qualities.

‘I am so incredibly grateful to be a fat black disabled person. The politics of attraction by and large, do not apply to me. By and large, I am not desirable to pretty much anyone, and before you’re like ‘No, you’re so pretty!’ Shh.. shh.. I know, thank you. My point is this — it’s incredibly freeing to realize that there’s nothing you can do to appeal to anybody. I grew up under the very strict parameters of respectability politics, and once I became an adult, I realized there’s nothing, there’s literally nothing I can do but be myself for myself. And so I’ll weigh in to these conversations every so often, and men will sometimes insult me and insult my appearance, or what have you, and I literally like, *chuckles* what are you gonna say to me? What are you gonna say to me that I haven’t heard before? At the end of the day, I’m still gonna be me, *smiles* you know?’ — Imani Barbarin on Instagram

Looking into Disability Hierarchies
The concept of a ‘hierarchy of disabilities’ refers to the societal tendency to place different disabilities on a perceived scale, often influencing how individuals with disabilities are treated and perceived.

Media plays a pivotal role in shaping societal perceptions, and the hierarchy of disabilities is no exception. Certain disabilities may be portrayed more positively in the media, while others are stigmatised or misunderstood.

This distorted representation adds to the perpetuation of stereotypes, fostering a divisive environment wherein certain disabilities are considered more socially acceptable than others. Cara Liebowitz’s article, ‘On Being “Ugly Disabled”’ illuminates this particular topic.

To wrap up our discussion on self-esteem and body image in disabled children, we emphasise the crucial role played by caregivers, educators, and friends in shaping a positive sense of self-worth in disabled children.

Societal misconceptions often create challenges, but positive role models like Imani Barbarin offer better perceptions and encouragement. Imani’s message about embracing one’s authentic and lovable self resonates powerfully. Simultaneously, we acknowledge the existence of a ‘hierarchy of disabilities’ perpetuated by media biases, as discussed by Cara Liebowitz.

Our collective responsibility is to challenge stereotypes, dismantle these hierarchies, and create an inclusive world where every child’s qualities are nurtured and celebrated. In doing so, we empower them to embrace their beauty and worth, breaking free from societal constraints.

Reference:

Nichols, M. (2019, April 2). “The Disability Hierarchy: Unraveling the Layers of Oppression.” MeriahNichols.com. Retrieved from https://www.meriahnichols.com/disability-hierarchy/