ADHD: A Hidden Disability

by Cynthia Hammer, MSW

Invisible disabilities, or hidden disabilities, is an umbrella term to describe a whole spectrum of disabilities or challenges that are primarily neurological in nature. Individuals with invisible disabilities do not show any physical signs, although they impact the individual’s day-to-day life. People may have difficulty understanding how the ADHD symptoms of forgetfulness, distraction, and disorganization can be so debilitating to you. Your ADHD may even be met with hostility when people don’t believe you have a disability. We can be accused of faking or imagining our ADHD.

It is estimated that 10% of people in the U.S. have a medical condition which could be considered an invisible disability. Research finds that children with hidden disabilities, including inattentive ADHD, often have behavior problems related to reduced self-confidence, increased anxiety, stress, and social isolation. For adults, having undiagnosed ADHD can affect career choice, limit job advancement and lead to a number of psychological and emotional issues, including depression and feelings of low self-worth. The impact of something that cannot be seen can be difficult for those who are neurotypical (i.e. those without learning and behavior difficulties) to comprehend.