What is a Hidden Disability?

Understanding Hidden Disabilities

When we think of disabilities, many of us immediately picture something visible: a wheelchair, a walking aid, or another physical sign. However, not all disabilities can be seen. These are known as hidden or invisible disabilities, and they affect millions of people worldwide.

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What Are Hidden Disabilities?

Hidden disabilities are conditions that are not immediately obvious to others. They may impact a person’s physical, mental, or neurological health, yet go unnoticed in daily interactions. Examples include chronic pain, diabetes, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, ADHD, autism, anxiety, and hearing impairments, among many others.

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Hidden Disabilities Can Take Many Forms

Chronic Health Conditions

Illnesses such as diabetes, Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome may not show outwardly but can significantly affect daily life. These conditions often require ongoing management and can cause pain, fatigue, or sudden health complications.

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Mental Health Conditions

Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD are examples of hidden disabilities that affect emotional and psychological well-being. While invisible, they can have a profound impact on how individuals experience work, relationships, and everyday life.

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Neurological Conditions

Conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or migraines fall into this category. Symptoms can vary greatly, from seizures to cognitive challenges, and may be unpredictable.

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Neurodivergence

ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, and dyslexia are examples of neurodivergence. These are not illnesses but differences in how people think, process information, and interact with the world. Without understanding, individuals may face unfair barriers in education, employment, and social settings.

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Sensory Disabilities

Hearing impairments, visual impairments, and other sensory challenges may not be visible but can impact communication and interaction. Assistive devices are not always obvious, which can make these conditions harder to recognise.

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The Most Overlooked Hidden Disabilities

While all hidden disabilities deserve recognition, some are particularly overlooked due to stigma or lack of awareness:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME): Often misunderstood as mere tiredness, this condition can be severely disabling and is frequently dismissed or minimised. Recent estimates suggest approximately 404,000 people have chronic fatigue syndrome in the UK, which is about 0.6% of the population.

• Fibromyalgia: Widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties are real and impactful, yet the condition is sometimes questioned by others. While an exact figure is unavailable due to diagnostic challenges, estimates suggest between 2 and 3 million people in the UK have fibromyalgia, affecting approximately 1 in 25 people.

• Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): People with APD may struggle to interpret sounds or speech correctly, but this is often mistaken for inattention or rudeness. estimates suggest it affects 3% to 5% of school-aged children and between 2% to 7% of the general population.

• Mild or Partial Hearing Loss: Not always obvious, it can create communication barriers and frustration for both the individual and those around them. Around 18 million people in the UK are affected by hearing loss. Hearing loss is more common with age, with over 50% of UK adults over 50 experiencing some degree of hearing loss. By age 70, approximately 80% of people have hearing loss. There are also 50,000 children in the UK with hearing loss.

• ADHD and Autism in Adults (especially women): These conditions are frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because they present differently than common stereotypes suggest. 5% of children and approximately 3–4% of adults are thought to have ADHD. For example, in England, an estimate for August 2025 suggests about 2.5 million people have ADHD, with about 25% being children and young people.

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By highlighting these conditions, we can shine a light on the importance of listening to and believing people’s lived experiences, even when their challenges aren’t visible.

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The Challenges Of Living With A Hidden Disability

Because these conditions are not visible, individuals often face unique challenges:

• Misunderstanding and judgement: Others may assume someone is healthy simply because they "look fine."
• Stigma: People with hidden disabilities may feel pressure to explain or justify their needs.
• Lack of accommodations: Without visible signs, it can be harder to receive necessary support in workplaces, schools, or public spaces.

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Why Awareness Matters

Awareness of hidden disabilities is crucial for fostering empathy, inclusion, and respect. By understanding that not all conditions are visible, we can:

• Reduce stigma and judgement
• Encourage supportive conversations
• Create more inclusive workplaces and communities
• Ensure accommodations are accessible to everyone who needs them

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How You Can Support

• Listen without judgement: Believe people when they share their experiences.
• Be patient: Some conditions cause fatigue, memory lapses, or slower responses.
• Advocate for inclusivity: Support policies and initiatives that recognize both visible and hidden disabilities.
• Educate yourself: The more we learn, the more we can help reduce stigma.

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The Role of the National Disability Card

The National Disability Card provides individuals with a discreet and effective way to communicate their needs. Carrying or wearing a National Disability Card, often displayed on a verified hidden disability lanyard can help others quickly recognise that a person may need additional support, understanding, or accommodations. This simple tool:

• Reduces the need for individuals to repeatedly explain their condition
• Promotes awareness in public places, workplaces, and during travel
• Encourages greater patience and empathy from those around them
• Provides reassurance and confidence for the card holder

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By becoming more aware and recognising National Disability Card holders, society can become more inclusive and supportive of people living with hidden disabilities.