Students who seem distracted might face discipline for not paying attention, when in fact they have ADD and simply have a hard time staying focused. In cases like these, one might assume a child with their head on their desk is bored or disengaged, when actually they’re experiencing fatigue related to diabetes. As the NEA illustrates in this video, it’s all too easy to overlook or misinterpret behaviors and social cues if you’re unaware of the impact someone’s ID has on them.
According to the National Education Association (NEA), students with ID face challenges in the classroom that might not be addressed-or might even might draw disciplinary actions-if teachers or administrators aren’t informed of the diagnosis and related symptoms. Kids with ID feel the impact of this, too. In some cases, people might even accuse those with ID of “making it up” or claim their disability is all in their head, just because there’s no obvious physical sign of their disability like a wheelchair or communication device. Since others are unaware of their condition, the needs of people with ID are often unrecognized or not acknowledged. Invisible disabilities present unique challenges Not only is teaching our kids about ID a great way to support this community, it’s also a path to raising more empathetic and compassionate kids.
Invisible Disabilities Week (this year recognized October 17th-23rd) was started in 2014 by the Invisible Disabilities Association, and was created to help raise awareness, education, and support around ID.
There are countless disabilities that are hidden, but you and your kids have probably heard of a lot of them-like ADD, autism, depression, asthma, autoimmune disease, or chronic pain. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can be constant, come and go, or be triggered only in certain situations. Invisible disabilities can be neurological, physical, or mental.
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