This document discusses hidden disabilities and how to support individuals with additional needs. It defines hidden disabilities and lists some common types, including anxiety disorders, ADHD, arthritis, autism, bipolar disorder, chronic fatigue, dyslexia, and dyscalculia. It contrasts perspectives on disability between the medical and social models and explores challenges and barriers people face. Three scenarios are presented where individuals face barriers due to their disabilities, and actions are discussed to help overcome these barriers and promote inclusion, respect, and empowerment for those with disabilities.

1. Presented by Jonathan Mowjoudi
Hidden disabilities
How to support adults and young people with additional needs

2. What is a hidden disability

3. What are some of the most common hidden disabilities?
Comparison between the UK, China and the rest of the world
Anxiety disorders
ADHD
Arthritis
ADD/ADHD
Bipolar condition
Chronic fatigue
Autistic Spectrum Conditions (autism)
Dyslexia
Dyscalculia
China Globally
Sun et al. Molecular Autism (2019) 10:7 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13229-018-0246-0
UK

4. How they can affect people
The medical model vs the social model
People are disabled by their impairments or di
ff
erences
- What is ‘wrong’ with a person
The barriers for people with disabilities are not just physical
Attitudes found in society, based on prejudice or stereotype (also called disablism), also disable people from having equal opportunities to be part of society.
People are disabled by barriers in society
Attitudes towards disability, access arrangements, assumptions

5. Scenario 1
Discuss what action we can take to help overcome this barrier
A teenager with a learning difficulty wants to work towards living
independently in their own home but is unsure how to pay the
rent.

6. What challenges they present

7. Scenario 2
Discuss what action we can take to help overcome this barrier
A child with a visual impairment wants to read the latest best-
selling book to chat about with their sighted friends.

8. How we can support
• Know more
• Promote respect
• Support inclusive education
• Champion employment
• Create an inclusive environment
• Enable and empower people
• Ensure access to support within our organisations

9. Scenario 3
Discuss what action we can take to help overcome this barrier
A colleague has received an informational email and has failed
to follow up with the instructions. You have noticed this has
happened quite frequently. They regularly have difficulty with
this.