Neurodivergence and Invisible Disabilities
Neurodivergence: Beyond the Labels
Neurodivergence refers to natural differences in how a person’s brain processes, thinks, and responds to the world. The term “neurotypical” is often used to describe the socially expected or dominant style of functioning – but there is no single “normal” way for a brain to be.
Around one in seven people is estimated to be neurodivergent, meaning neurodivergence is common, often unrecognised, and widely misunderstood (NHS England).
Examples of neurodivergent conditions include (but are not limited to):
- Autism
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Dyslexia
- Dyscalculia
- Dyspraxia
- Learning disabilities
Neurodivergent people contribute immense strengths across organisations, education, employment, and society. Many offer innovative thinking, creativity, deep focus, pattern recognition, and perspectives that challenge the status quo. However, neurodivergence does not follow a fixed pattern. Experiences vary widely and may fluctuate day-to-day.
To benefit from neurodivergent talent, environments must be accessible, flexible, and designed to reduce unnecessary barriers. Simple adjustments – clear communication, reduced jargon, sensory-aware spaces, predictable expectations, and empathetic interaction – can make an extraordinary difference.
Neurodivergence is also frequently an invisible disability, meaning the challenges someone experiences may not be obvious. While I highlight the strengths of neurodivergence, I never overlook the real, sometimes exhausting barriers many of us face.
I avoid terms like “neuro spicy” or “superpower” because they oversimplify complex realities and can minimise the difficulties people live with.
My work focuses primarily on autism, OCD, and ADHD, reflecting both my lived experience and my professional practice across education, inclusion, and accessibility.
Further learning
Some reputable sources for a deeper understanding:
- National Autistic Society: What is autism?
- How to Talk About Autism – National Autistic Society
- OCD Action – Understanding OCD
- Royal College of Psychiatrists – ADHD in Adults
- British Dyslexia Association – What is Dyslexia?
To learn more about individual neurodivergent conditions, here are some reputable, evidence-based resources:
What is autism? – National Autistic Society
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/what-is-autism
How to talk and write about autism – National Autistic Society
https://www.autism.org.uk/contact-us/media-enquiries/how-to-talk-and-write-about-autism
What is OCD? – OCD Action
https://ocdaction.org.uk/what-is-ocd/
Autism: varying support needs – National Autistic Society
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism/varying-support-needs
ADHD in adults – Royal College of Psychiatrists
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/mental-illnesses-and-mental-health-problems/adhd-in-adults
What is dyslexia? – British Dyslexia Association
https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/information/dyslexia
What Are Invisible Disabilities?
Invisible disabilities are long-term conditions that affect a person’s daily life, health, or functioning but are not immediately visible to others. These can occur alongside neurodivergent conditions or other physical or mental health issues, and they often create additional challenges.
In 2022–23, research found that 24% of the UK population lived with a disability
(Source: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9602/).
Of these, it’s estimated that around 80% of disabilities were invisible
(Source: https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/POST-PN-0689/POST-PN-0689.pdf).
Invisible disabilities are diverse and affect individuals in different ways.
Examples of invisible disabilities include:
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic illnesses
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Autoimmune conditions
- Epilepsy
- Long COVID
- Migraines
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s
- Menopause
- Colitis
People with invisible disabilities often face barriers created by assumptions and environments designed for a narrow idea of how people “should” function. Fatigue, pain, sensory sensitivities, mobility limitations, or cognitive fluctuations may not be apparent to others – but they shape how individuals can participate.
Reasonable adjustments can transform a person’s ability to thrive. For example:
- controlled lighting (e.g., for migraine triggers)
- flexible breaks
- quieter spaces
- reduced physical strain
- hybrid or remote options
- alternative formats
- supportive communication
As with neurodivergence, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Even people with the same diagnosis may have completely different needs. The most effective support begins with one question:
“What would help you?”
Invisible disabilities do not diminish a person’s value, insight, resilience, or ability to make meaningful contributions. Inclusion can be removing the avoidable barriers and not expecting people to push through them.
My work frequently draws from lived experience with chronic pain, spinal conditions, migraines, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and autoimmune issues, alongside professional knowledge in accessibility and inclusion.
Further resources
- Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme
- Hidden Disabilities A–Z
If you’re an organisation, educator, or employer
Creating genuinely inclusive and accessible environments requires awareness, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt systems – not individuals.
If your organisation would benefit from:
- training on neurodivergence or invisible disabilities
- inclusive practice guidance
- lived-experience advisory input
- accessibility reviews
- support designing equitable processes
- or a deeper understanding of reducing complex barriers
Please reach out!
