What Are Examples of Hidden Disabilities?

What Are Examples of Hidden Disabilities?

Hidden disabilities — also known as invisible disabilities — are physical, mental, or neurological conditions that aren’t immediately obvious but still impact a person’s daily life.

They may affect mobility, cognition, communication, energy, pain, or sensory processing — without any visible signs.

---

Common Examples of Hidden Disabilities:

Neurological & Neurodevelopmental:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• ADHD
• Tourette syndrome
• Epilepsy
• Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
• Traumatic brain injury

Chronic Illness & Medical Conditions:

• Diabetes
• Crohn’s disease or IBS
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
• Long COVID
• Endometriosis
• Migraines

Mental Health Conditions:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• PTSD
• OCD
• Bipolar disorder

Sensory & Processing Conditions:

• Auditory processing disorder
• Visual impairments (not always obvious)
• Sensory processing disorder

Other Hidden Disabilities:

• Hearing loss (especially partial or progressive)
• Autoimmune conditions like lupus

---

A Note on FND

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is one of the most misunderstood hidden disabilities. It affects how the brain sends and receives signals — often leading to real symptoms like seizures, limb weakness, or movement issues.

Despite its impact, many people with FND are dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told it’s “just in their head.” FND is real, debilitating, and deserves the same understanding and support as any other condition.

---

Why Awareness Matters

Just because a disability isn’t visible doesn’t mean it isn’t real. People with hidden disabilities often face judgement, disbelief, or lack of access — simply because they “look fine.”

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower helps signal that someone may need understanding, accommodations, or just a bit of kindness.

---

🌻 Show Your Support with Awareness Merch

Want to help spread understanding and visibility for hidden conditions like FND?

Browse our Hidden Disability Awareness merch collection — with t-shirts, stickers, and accessories designed to spark conversation and promote inclusion.

Every purchase helps break the stigma around conditions you can’t always see — and reminds others that not all disabilities are visible.

• What Does FND Mean? Understanding the Rising Interest in Functional Neurological Disorder
• Is Autism a Hidden Disability? What You Need to Know
• What Are Examples of Hidden Disabilities?
• What Is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower? A Guide to Invisible Disabilities
• Living with a Hidden Disability: What You Don’t See, Still Hurts