Invisible Differences Research
August 21, 2013
The Prevalence is Invisible but Large
More than 20% of children today (an exponential increase from a generation ago) have been diagnosed with disorders that interfere with learning and working; these disorders are often invisible to the eye. They don’t, however, limit one’s intellectual abilities. Unfortunately, as a group, they are not finishing college and are underemployed. Consequently, employers are missing out on talented employees and society carries the burden of caring for capable adults who could be supporting themselves.
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Did You Know?
- About 1 in 88 children has been identified with an autism spectrum disorder.
- As of 2007, approximately 9.5% of children 4 to 17 years of age have been diagnosed with ADHD, with rates of diagnosis increasing each year.
- 15%-20% of people in the US have a language-based disability, dyslexia being the most prevalent.
- More than 1 out of 20 Americans 12 years of age and older report current depression.
- A higher proportion of students with disabilities leave college without earning a degree.
On Society
- 20% of children ages 4-17 have been diagnosed with an invisible difference.
- 15% of the disease burden in established market economies; more than the disease burden caused by all cancers (mental disorders).
On Employers
- 9% of working adults are a parent of at least one child with special needs.
- 43% of working caregivers of children with special needs reduce their hours or opt out altogether.
- 13% of people with invisible differences attend college