What are the Most Common Categories of Hidden Disabilities?

The most common categories of hidden disabilities include mental health conditions, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain and fatigue disorders, and neurological disorders. 

“Hidden disabilities” or “invisible disabilities” can be just as debilitating as their more visible counterparts, yet those who live with them often face unique challenges during daily life, including skepticism, lack of accommodation, and social stigma. 

We’re looking at what the most common hidden disabilities are and showing how our Atlanta Social Security Disability lawyers can support you in getting the benefits you need.

The Most Common Types of Hidden Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines “disability” as an impairment that substantially limits at least one major life activity. The ADA’s definition also covers individuals who have a record of such an impairment, or who are regarded as having one, even if they don’t currently have an active condition.

Amendments in 2008 changed how people should understand the above definition. “Major life activities” can include many different types of actions, including:

• Walking
• Reading
• Communicating
• Bending
• Major bodily functions
• Living independently
• Self-care activities

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four Americans has a disability that impairs a significant area of life. Many of these impairments are invisible to the human eye. Let’s take a closer look at what the most common categories for hidden disabilities are. 

1. Mental Health Conditions and Psychiatric Disabilities

The first category covers mental health conditions, which often affect someone’s behavior, emotions, and mood. Neurodevelopmental impairments can make it hard for someone to relate to others.

Many people live silently with mental health disorders like:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Schizoaffective disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Dissociative disorders
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Anxiety disorders

Although someone can look “normal” on the outside, a mental health condition can be debilitating.

2. Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disabilities 

Neurodevelopmental and cognitive issues can make remembering, concentrating, or deciding things difficult. Because of this, learning and social interactions are often harder.

Examples include:

• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Memory impairment 
• Learning difficulties

Symptoms for these invisible disabilities can often vary from person to person, with many individuals developing coping mechanisms that can often make their condition less noticeable. As such, each person requires different levels of ongoing support.

3. Autoimmune Diseases

Typically, your body’s immune system protects you from foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria. But when someone has an autoimmune disease, their body gets confused. The immune system treats certain parts of the body as foreign invaders.

There are more than 80 different autoimmune diseases, including:

• Lupus
• Type 1 diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Celiac disease
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Graves’ disease
• Addison’s disease
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

No one knows for sure what causes the body to attack itself. Some autoimmune diseases tend to run in families. Infections, diet, chemical exposure, and genetics are all possible causes.

One thing’s for sure: autoimmune conditions are disruptive to life, and you may not always show outward signs of the disease.

4. Chronic Pain and Fatigue Disorders

Many people who live with chronic pain also have constant fatigue. Conditions like this include:

• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic tension headaches
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Chronic fatigue syndrome

Infections, severe illness, and chronic conditions can cause chronic fatigue. This makes it difficult to work and focus in the same way as other people. Some deal with so much pain that they cannot work at all.

5. Neurological Conditions

Brain disorders affect millions of Americans every year. When something goes wrong, it can impact all areas of life.

Examples of common neurological disorders include:

• Cerebral palsy
• Muscular dystrophy
• Huntington’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Stroke
• Vascular dementia
• Gaucher’s disease
• Brain tumors
• Epilepsy
• AIDS dementia

These non-visible disabilities can affect every area of someone’s life.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and other trauma can also lead to neurological issues. TBIs can leave someone with long-term or permanent brain damage. A brain injury can affect behavior, mood, concentration, sleep, and so much more.

Those With Invisible Conditions are Not Faking It

These common categories of hidden disabilities only scratch the surface.

Other examples of non-visible conditions can include:

• Heart disease
• Lung disease
• Hearing loss/auditory impairments
• Multiple chemical sensitivities
• Cancers
• Asthma
• Back injuries
• Sleep disorders

If you have a non-visible disability, you shouldn’t have to convince everyone that you have an impairment. You are not lazy or imagining things. People with these conditions shouldn’t have to downplay their conditions to avoid judgment.

Does Social Security Disability Cover Hidden Impairments?

Those with non-visible disabilities might hear things like, “You don’t even look disabled!” However, an invisible condition can be just as disabling as a visible one. If your condition prevents you from working, you might be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

You probably qualify for SSDI if:

• You have a medical condition that prevents you from working.
• You have paid enough into Social Security through work wages.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is strict when evaluating SSDI applications. You will need to show how your condition prevents you from working. Unfortunately, proving your condition can be more difficult if you have a hidden disability.

If you are worried about getting your benefits, talk to an experienced lawyer. They can help you figure out if you qualify for Social Security Disability in Georgia, advocate for your rights, and provide all the information you need.

Contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer for Free Today

John Foy & Associates has been helping disabled individuals get Social Security Disability benefits for over 20 years. Whether you still need to apply or need to appeal a denial, we can support you as you face a chronic illness, a mental or physical impairment, or another type of life-altering personal injury.

We do not charge a fee unless we win your case, so there is no risk to you. And we’re happy to answer all your questions to make sure you have the most up-to-date information on this topic.

To get a FREE, no-risk consultation, call or contact us online 24/7. Find out the reason why clients continue to choose us and give glowing testimonials.