How does someone look like they have Intellectual disability when they dont?

[Candycatalien]

In public and in school, people say I look stupid, slow, dumb, retarded, and dumbfounded-looking.

 

In school, people say I’m in special education because I have intellectual disability (they say mental retardation) and down syndrome. I don’t have it and I have never been diagnosed with anything.

 

They have no evidence that I’m in special Ed. they just hear it from their friends.

 

So that is what leads me to ask: How does someone look like they have intellectual disability and down syndrome when do not?

[Blondie]

@Candycatalien I'm really sorry to hear this happens. It sounds like it began by one person and has turned into a rumour, and this of course can be super hurtful. Also, I'm not really sure how people can 'look' like they have a disability unless it's visible as in using a wheelchair for example.

 

But on that point, it implies there is something inherently wrong with that, as there isn't. We all have value and deserve to be treated with respect regardless of any differences we have as people.