The image is in two parts. On the left is the black and white “Make the Right Real in Malaysia” logo of The OKU Rights Matter website. To the right of the logo is a photo: Beatrice Leong, Malaysian woman documentary filmmaker, stands in front of her community at the Autistic Pride Day Get-Together, Taman Tugu, June 2023. Beatrice, with a neat black fringe over her eyes and hair swept up in a top curl, is dressed in a black polo shirt and khaki pants. Beatrice holds a white placard with handwritten text (black font): I AM AUTISTIC (Very large font size) ALSO A WOMAN (the remaining text in large font) A FEMINIST AN ACTIVIST A HUMAN

Invisible Disabilities

Invisible disabilities encompass various physical, mental, or neurological conditions that are not easily recognizable, like chronic pain or ADHD. Increasing awareness is vital to challenge stigmas surrounding these disabilities, ensuring individuals with non-visible conditions receive equal respect and legal protections, as highlighted in recent research and guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association.

Invisible Disabilities

Attitudes towards invisible disabilities: Evidence from behavioral tendencies – ScienceDirect by Marine Granjon et al, 2025

This is what it’s really like to live with ADHD by Jessica McCabe

APA Releases Roadmap for the Future of the DSM by American Psychiatric Association


FAQ’s

What are invisible disabilities?

Physical, mental, or neurological conditions that are not immediately apparent, such as chronic pain, neurodivergence, or psychosocial disabilities.

Why is awareness important?

It is critical to dismantle the ‘looking disabled’ stigma, ensuring OKU with non-visible conditions receive the same respect and legal protections.