A Description of Hidden Disabilities. ADHD is One of Them.

Written By Cynthia Hammer, MSW

Curated by Cynthia Hammer, MSW

Hidden or invisible difficulties mean that individuals do not show any physical signs, although they impact the individual’s day-to-day life. ….Research finds that children with hidden disabilities often have behavior problems related to reduced self-confidence, increased anxiety, stress, and social isolation. For adults, having an undiagnosed disability 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.

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Would you prefer an observable disability to a hidden disability?

Cynthia Hammer, MSW

Cynthia Hammer, MSW, was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD in 1992 when she was 49 years old. The following year she created the non-profit organization, ADD Resources, with a mission to educate adults and helping professionals about ADHD in adults. She ran the organization for 15 years before retiring.

During the Covid isolation she wrote a book about her life with inattentive ADHD which should be published by the end of this year. In writing the book, she was dismayed to learn that children with inattentive ADHD continue to be under-diagnosed and adults with inattentive ADHD often are incorrectly diagnosed with depression or anxiety.

She created a new non-profit in 2021, the Inattentive ADHD Coalition (www.iadhd.org), to create more awareness about inattentive ADHD and the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

https://www.iadhd.org
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