Some 'non-visible' conditions are visible or obvious sometimes. Also, they can be 'seen' by some people who might have a better understanding of the condition. But they are not usually visible to others. Non-visible disabilities are named this way because you cannot always easily see the nature of the disability.
Globally 1 in 7 of us live with a disability. And of those, 80% are invisible. That is over 1 billion people who are living with a non-visible disability.
Non-visible disabilities can include traumatic brain injury, dementia, learning difficulties (such as dyslexia), chronic health conditions (such as diabetes and Crohn's disease) and mental health disorders.
Over 90% of disabilities are invisible and people who have experience of invisible disability report attracting negative attention from the community for using designated disability seating, parking and toilets.
What are hidden disabilities? Some disabilities don't have physical signs so we cannot always tell if someone has one. Hidden disabilities include autism, mental health, acquired/traumatic brain injury, sensory processing, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, partial sight and hearing loss.
Invisible disabilities are such symptoms as debilitating fatigue, pain, cognitive dysfunctions and mental disorders, as well as hearing and eyesight impairments and more. There are thousands of illnesses, disorders, diseases, dysfunctions, congenital disabilities, impairments, and injuries that can be debilitating.
It is estimated that 70-80% of disabilities are invisible.
In a nutshell, it's when someone suffers from a neurological or physical condition that impairs physical movement, interaction with others, career progression or academics. Unfortunately, these issues may not be immediately apparent to others. A great example of an invisible disability is ADHD or ADD.
Invisible disabilities are common
According to the CDC, 61 million adults across the U.S. identify as having a disability of some kind, and about 10% of those are invisible disabilities.
She says most disabilities are acquired and more than 70 percent are estimated to be invisible, ranging from autism to learning disabilities to mental illness. That makes candid conversations about disability important for everyone.
Invisible disabilities, or hidden disabilities, are defined as disabilities that are not immediately apparent. Some people with visual or auditory disabilities who do not wear glasses or hearing aids, or discreet hearing aids, may not be obviously disabled. Some people who have vision loss may wear contacts.
Sleep Disorders Potentially Qualify as Hidden Disabilities. The time we're asleep is one of the most private times in our day. So, most people will not notice if a loved one has a sleep disorders. And, yet there can be serious consequences because of the dangerous consequences of sleeping too much or too little.
Invisible disabilities are not rare
But there are many disabilities and conditions that are counted as 'invisible', such as MS, autism, ADHD, arthritis, brain injuries, mental illnesses, diabetes, epilepsy, cognitive and learning disabilities, chronic pain and fatigue… and the list goes on.
Over 42 million Americans have a severe disability, and 96% of them are unseen. Examples of invisible debilitating physical and mental conditions include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, affective disorders, diabetes, cancer, lupus, Crohn's disease and fibromyalgia.
Not all disabilities are visible – some are not immediately obvious, such as autism, chronic pain, dementia, anxiety, visual or hearing impairment.
Autism presents differently in different people, while there are some shared characteristics, co-diagnoses profoundly affect how a person with autism functions. Autism is an invisible disability, this can make it difficult for others to understand why and how a person may behave or react in a certain way.
ADHD is not on the autism spectrum, but they have some of the same symptoms. And having one of these conditions increases the chances of having the other. Experts have changed the way they think about how autism and ADHD are related.
Having an autistic spectrum disorder means that someone has difficulties in the areas of social interaction, communication and imagination. It is sometimes referred to as a 'hidden disability', as it is not usually visible when initially meeting someone with Asperger syndrome.
Hidden / Invisible Disabilities
Psychiatric Disabilities—Examples include major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc. Medical conditions associated with hidden disabilities.
Invisible disabilities are physical, mental, or neurological conditions that can limit or challenge a person's movements, senses, or activities, and can impact that person's ability to learn or work. Students and educators with hidden disabilities get unnoticed because others are not aware of their conditions.
How do I know if I have a disability? You are considered to have a disability if you have a physical or mental impairment or medical condition that: substantially limits a major life activity, or. a history or record of such an impairment or medical condition.