Invisible Disability

Invisible or ‘hidden’ disabilities, are conditions or chronic illnesses that are not immediately visible to others. They can be physical, mental, or neurological conditions. Whilst they may not be immediately apparent or visible to others, invisible disabilities can significantly affect a person’s daily life. People with invisible disabilities often look ‘well’. Unlike visible disabilities, such as those requiring a wheelchair or other assistive devices, invisible disabilities can be harder for others to recognise or understand. This can lead to lack of empathy, judgement, misunderstandings or even stigmatisation, as the struggles of the person may not be obvious.

It is common for people to perceive disability in terms of visual indications such as using a wheelchair, physical impairment or use of assistive technology. When people with invisible disabilities don’t fit this traditional view and because their symptoms are not visible, this can make it difficult for some people to recognise and subsequently believe that someone with an invisible disability genuinely needs support.

Because of their hidden nature, invisible disabilities can go unacknowledged, leading to a lack of sympathy and understanding within society. This can create significant obstacles in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and social interactions leading to poorer health outcomes.

Though unseen, these disabilities are real and deserve recognition, support, and understanding.

Medical injuries

e.g. Complex surgery complications, internal amputations,

Learninng disabilities

e.g. Dyslexia, ADHD

Mental health conditions

e.g. Anxiety, depression, PTSD

Autoimmune diseases

e.g. Lupus, Crohn’s diseases

Neurological conditions

e.g. Multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, migraines

Fatigue-related conditions

e.g. Chronic fatigue syndrome

Additional Resources

For further information and support, here are some helpful resources