What Is an Invisible disability? You Don't Look Sick
This invisible disability is most commonly diagnosed in pre-adolscent and adolescent males.
ADHD
This famous singer/songwriter from a band of brothers has Type I Diabetes which 1.25 million other Americans live with every day.
Nick Jonas
Percentage of adults in the U.S. have a disability, many of which are invisible.
25%
Which invisible disability affects a person's ability to regulate their blood sugar levels?
Diabetes
Saying this can make someone feel like you’re doubting their experience because they don’t show visible symptoms.
"But you look so healthy!"
This invisible illness impacts a person's ability to absorb nutrients from food, leading to a range of health problems.
Celiac Disease
This Wizards of Waverly place star has lupus.
Selena Gomez
This term describes the energy management strategy often used by individuals with chronic illnesses.
Spoon Theory
4 kinds of invisible disability types
An invisible disability can include, but is not limited to: cognitive impairment and brain injury; the autism spectrum; chronic illnesses like multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, and fibromyalgia; d/Deaf and/or hard of hearing; blindness and/or low vision; anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep disorders such as Narcolepsy and many more
Quick fix suggestion, this assumes all invisible disabilities can be fixed by a lifestyle change.
“Have you tried essential oils?”
This invisible disability can be visible at times, although not always. People with this disability can get modifications to their rooms such as flashing lights and vibrating beds.
Hearing Impaired or Deafness
This famous comedian and actor was known for his star roles in Mrs. Doubtfire, Hook and Aladdin. Throughout his life he dealt with a variety of invisible disabilities including bipolar, Lewy body dementia, and dyslexia.
Robin Williams
Many people with invisible disabilities often feel pressure to prove their condition, leading to this psychological phenomenon.
Imposter syndrome
What is the most common invisible disability in the world?
Chronic Pain
This comment can be harmful as it implies that physical appearance should match health status.
"But you look normal to me!"
In this invisible disability, women are more likely to experience this. Symptoms include mild, moderate, severe and panic.
Anxiety
This actor, famous voice actor and director who is known for his appearances in Driving Miss Daisy, Lean On Me and Million Dollar Baby was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2009 following a car accident.
Morgan Freeman
This federal law protects individuals with disabilities, including those that are invisible.
Americans with Disabilities Act
True or False:
An employer can terminate an employee due to their invisible disability.
False. Terminating an employee due to their invisible disability is generally illegal under workplace discrimination laws.
This common phrase dismisses a person’s limitations and assumes they aren’t doing enough.
“Just push through it!”
This invisible illness is marked by chronic inflammation of the airways, making it difficult to breathe.
Asthma
This glee star and comedic actress has been deaf in her right ear for almost all of her life. Up until the age of 7, she assumed that people just didn’t hear out of their left ear!
Jane Lynch
In this year, the term "invisible disability" gained wider recognition as awareness increased about mental health.
1990
This invisible illness is characterized by widespread pain and fatigue, often leading to sleep disturbances and cognitive difficulties.
Fibromyalgia
This suggestion implies that the person isn’t already trying their best, which can be hurtful.
“Try harder to stay positive”