Raising Disability Awareness: Understanding the Invisible Challenges

 Raising Disability Awareness: Understanding the Invisible Challenges

Disability awareness is crucial because not all disabilities are visible. My son, Colby, was diagnosed with high-functioning autism in the 5th grade. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Through continued treatment, he has learned to adapt and thrive in his own unique way.

Colby loves his job at Sonic, which has been wonderful for helping him step out of his comfort zone and interact with people. However, this journey hasn't been without its challenges. Recently, Colby’s manager received a call from a woman complaining that Colby was "weird." The manager politely explained that Colby has autism, which makes it harder for him to show emotion. The woman’s response? “It’s not his fault.” What does that even mean? She went on to suggest that the manager should have trained him better. This incident highlights the need for greater disability awareness.

Colby’s experiences are not limited to his workplace. An acquaintance once got mad at him because he wasn't making eye contact during a conversation, interpreting his behavior as disrespectful. He wasn’t being disrespectful; it's simply part of how he navigates social interactions. Colby has many wonderful quirks that I adore, like talking in different voices or picking a word for the day and repeating it all day. Someone once told him to "act normal," but who gets to define what normal is? If a kid doesn't smile when he takes your order, is that really so unusual? These societal expectations often fail to consider the diverse ways people interact with the world.

Non-visible disabilities include a wide range of conditions. These are not limited to, but may include: mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Just because you can’t see someone’s disability doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist or doesn’t impact their daily life.

I also face similar misunderstandings with my own disability, myasthenia gravis (MG). My condition isn't always visible, which means people often don't realize the difficulties I encounter daily. MG affects my muscle strength and endurance, making tasks like climbing stairs or carrying items up those stairs incredibly challenging. I tire easily, not because I don’t get enough sleep, eat "unhealthy," or drink diet soda, but because the more I use my muscles, the harder it is to use them, leading to fatigue.

If you're supporting someone with an invisible disability, try listening to them and responding with empathy. Ask follow-up questions to better understand what they're describing. Simple acts of understanding and kindness can make a significant difference.

Disability awareness means recognizing that people like Colby and me are not trying to be difficult or different. We simply have challenges that aren't always obvious to others. It's about understanding and empathy. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of whether their disability is visible or not.

Let’s strive for a world where we understand that “normal” is a wide spectrum and where we embrace and support the unique experiences of everyone.