Introduction
When we use the term "disability," many people have a mental picture of persons with assistive devices such as wheelchairs, canes, hearing aids, or using sign language -as also include several other conditions that are typically not apparent to onlookers.
Quoting figures from the USA, it is estimated that one in every 18 persons has an invisible or hidden disability that prevents a person from adjusting to social roles and responsibilities.
The statistics for developing countries may not be very different, if not worse.
Hidden disabilities have some unique psychological issues which make conditions all the more complex and debilitating.
Considering a mother's child.
Consider this, a mother with an autistic child having a meltdown due to sensory reasons is told that she is not sufficiently competent as a mother since her child appears to be undisciplined and out of control.
Similarly, children with learning disabilities are perpetually scolded for being lazy and not putting in their best efforts in academics.
Not only do people with invisible or less visible disabilities have to make day-to-day adjustments to exist in the world around them.
But they must also navigate misconceptions about their condition - including the idea that they are incompetent, lazy or rude, disobedient, or unresponsive.
Thus, such people look normal and are thus expected to perform with the same competence and efficiency, which is at par with their physique and appearance.
Common Invisible disabilities
Some of the most common invisible disabilities in which people appear healthy and in control of their lives and bodies are :
a. Brain injury
Minimal brain injury and development cognitive disorders interfere with memory, motor skills planning, organizational abilities, cognition, and communication.
Children may find it difficult to perform a higher level of academics, planning. Adults may make 'mistakes' in tasks that involve precision and multi-step processes such as digital transactions.
Outwardly, they appear clumsy, distracted, and disorganized.
b. Learning disabilities :
Neurological disorders resulting in impairment in reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), or mathematics (dyscalculia),
commonly associated with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.
Appearance :
Lazy, distracted, intentionally avoiding work.
c. Autism Spectrum Disorder :
Neurodevelopment disorders begin early in childhood and severely affect communication, learning social skills, and social interaction, associated with rigid and repetitive behaviors.
Appearance :
Rude, undisciplined, fussy, stubborn, avoiding instructions, and not cooperating.
d. Chronic diseases :
Chronic diseases such as certain renal disorders also Fibromyalgia, a chronic rheumatic condition that widespread pain and throughout the soft tissue in the body, accompanied by fatigue.
Appearance :
Lazy and constantly avoiding work.
e. Depression :
Mental health and mood disorders involve persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest strong enough to affect normal functioning.
These are commonly associated with anxiety disorders causing persistent feelings of worry and fear.
Outwardly Appearance :
Being unnecessarily sensitive, exerting oneself to become cheerful, and trying to adjust.
f. Sensory disorders :
Children who have sensory issues may aversion anything that triggers their senses, such as light, sound, touch, taste, or smell.
Common symptoms of sensory processing issues may include avoidance or hyperactivity.
Appearance :
Too fussy, not cooperating, need for stern discipline.
These are the common Invisible disabilities in children. Children with mental disabilities need more help from their parents, and their parents must treat them as normal and have to socialize them.
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