What Are Invisible Disabilities?

Invisible disabilities (also called hidden or non-visible disabilities) are conditions that significantly affect daily life but are not always obvious to others.

They can affect cognition, mental health, sensory processing, chronic pain, fatigue, and more. Examples include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, depression, diabetes, and migraine disorders.

Source: Invisible Disabilities Association

Prevalence and Impact

Around 1.3 billion people worldwide, which is about 16 percent of the global population, live with a significant disability (World Health Organization).

It is estimated that up to 80 percent of these are invisible disabilities (Hidden Disabilities Sunflower).

People with invisible disabilities are often misunderstood or doubted, facing stigma such as being told “but you don’t look disabled” (Harvard Health).

Challenges People Face

Because their needs are not visible, individuals with invisible disabilities often encounter stigma and disbelief, hearing dismissive comments or having their needs questioned (Accessibility.com).

Students may go without accommodations in school or feel pressured to mask symptoms (University of Maryland).

Employees with invisible disabilities report feeling excluded more often than their peers (Society for Human Resource Management).

Why Awareness and Inclusion Matter

Awareness leads to patience and empathy. Inclusion means adapting environments such as using flexible schedules, offering sensory breaks, or providing alternative formats so everyone can participate. Reducing stigma helps people feel safe enough to seek accommodations and support.

Source: ScienceDirect – Invisible vs. Visible Disabilities Attitudes

Resources and Symbols

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a global symbol used to discreetly indicate invisible disabilities (Hidden Disabilities Sunflower).

Invisible disabilities are fully protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA – Wikipedia).