The U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) refers to neuro-developmental disabilities such as Specific Learning Disability (SLD) and other cognitive disabilities as "invisible disabilities.” Their manifestations are often very subtle or can appear similar to other types of disabilities. To determine significance of any neuro-developmental disability, neuropsychological assessments are necessary to identify any central nervous system deficits of attention, reasoning, processing, memory, communication, and coordination. With manifestations that are subtle or often appear as other types of problems, assessing the functional capacities of a child with an ‘invisible disability’ can be a daunting task.
An Invisible Disability: Language Disorders in High School Students and the Implications for Classroom Teachers
Invisible Disabilities and Postsecondary Education: Accommodations and Universal Design
US Department of Education Guidelines for Assessing the Functional Capacities of an Individual with Specific Learning Disabilities
US Department of Education President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education * * * Transition Task Force Hearing (2002)