Understanding Invisible Disabilities in Children: What Nannies Need to Know
By Sarah Vierra, Disability Advocate
At some point, we all encounter someone with a disability, whether it's giving up a seat on the train or helping someone navigate busy streets. It's easier to be mindful when someone has a visible disability, but what about invisible disabilities?
What Are Invisible Disabilities?
People with invisible disabilities might look like anyone else, but their challenges are real. They may manage chronic pain, sensory overload, or other conditions with coping strategies, medications, or therapies. As nannies, it’s important to guide children in understanding and navigating these challenges, just as we would for visible disabilities.
For kids, what might seem like a tantrum could be their way of expressing sensory overload or feeling overwhelmed. They may not yet know how to vocalize their needs. Some children are even in the process of getting diagnosed, making it vital for caregivers to be mindful and patient.
Real-Life Example
I once cared for a child on the autism spectrum who wore a new jacket to school. Later, she became disruptive, which was unusual. When we got home, I noticed the tag was still on the jacket. She hadn't realized the discomfort it caused, but once I pointed it out, she lit up with relief. Something as small as a clothing tag had caused sensory overload, resulting in behavior that looked like a tantrum.
As someone with hearing impairment, I’ve faced my own challenges—especially during COVID-19, when masks made lip reading impossible. Many people didn’t understand my request to lower their mask briefly, and navigating group settings became harder than ever.
How Can You Help?
Here are some practical tips to support children with invisible disabilities
Prevention Is Key: Create a safe space for kids and parents to share their needs. This might mean avoiding certain perfumes, helping with stretches, checking sugar levels, or having fidget toys or medication ready.
Safe Word: Allow the child to choose a word they can use to discreetly signal that something’s wrong, helping them get the support they need.
De-escalate and Redirect: Instead of saying “calm down,” offer support by guiding them through deep breaths or redirecting their focus. In a medical situation, calmly assign someone to get help while you stay with the child.
Talk It Out: After the situation is resolved, let the child talk about what happened. Listen actively, and ask if there’s anything you can do to support them better in the future.
Final Thoughts
Living with a disability is only one part of a person’s life. Whether visible or invisible, everyone wants to feel respected, heard, and seen. Offer help, but if they say they've got it, let them figure it out. Just remember to always be mindful and kind!