Many invisible disabilities, like chronic fatigue syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), elhers-danlos syndrome (EDS), etc., can become visible. Sometimes this comes from the usage of medical aids like wheelchairs, canes, walkers, braces, feeding tubes, etc. This could also come from conditions with easily hidden symptoms that become less easily hidden with natural symptoms fluctuation or sudden worsening of symptoms due to triggers. 

State University of New York at Binghamton

Invisible disability is an umbrella term for disabilities that cannot be seen by others and interfere with day-to-day functioning, but do not have a physical manifestation. This "unseen" characteristic is central to the challenges these individuals face in various environments. 

Invisible Disability

Moriña, A. (2024). When what is unseen does not exist: disclosure, barriers and supports for students with invisible disabilities in higher education. Disability & Society, 39(4), 914-932. DOI: 10.1080/09687599.2022.2113038

Reference: When what is unseen does not exist: disclosure, barriers and supports for students with invisible disabilities in higher education

- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Learning disabilities (including dyslexia)
- Psychosocial disabilities (mental illnesses or mental disorders)
- Neurological impairments (such as brain injury)
- Chronic health conditions (including chronic fatigue syndrome)
- Energy-fluctuating conditions (such as pain conditions like Ehlers-Danlos)
- Psychiatric conditions (various mental health disorders)

These categories demonstrate the diverse range of conditions that fall under the invisible disability umbrella, spanning mental health, cognitive, neurological, and chronic health conditions.

Types of Invisible Disabilities

The invisibility of disability often leads to their perceived non-existence, creating significant barriers to recognition and support. Others may question the legitimacy of these disabilities due to their non-visible nature. Individuals are sometimes required to provide documentation to prove their condition exists, which can be an emotionally difficult and challenging process. This need for proof highlights the fundamental issue of invisible disabilities being overlooked or dismissed in society.

Implications of Invisible Disabilities

Fluidity of Disability Visibility

People with invisible disabilities often feel that there is a challenge to prove they have a disability. It is suggested that individuals need to defend their diagnoses and prove that it exists. 

Invisible disabilities and Employment Stigma

Visibile Disabilities are defined as physical or mental impairments that are clearly visible in a persons behavior or bodies.

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