ADHD

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects attention, self-control, and activity levels. It’s often diagnosed in childhood but can continue into adulthood. People with ADHD are not lazy or unmotivated — their brains just work differently when it comes to focus and impulse control. About 1 in 10 children in the U.S. has been diagnosed with ADHD, and around 6 million children aged 3–17 in the U.S. have ADHD, according to CDC research in 2022.

People with ADHD may have trouble focusing and staying on task (inattention), may move excessively in inappropriate settings (hyperactivity), and may act quickly without thinking (impulsivity). They might find it hard to sit still, focus in class, or finish tasks. They often have time management issues and forget things.

Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts, and experiences the world. About 1 in 36 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism, with boys having four times the likelihood. Many individuals have difficulty with social interactions, repetitive behaviors, strong need for routines, and sensory sensitivities.

People with autism may struggle to understand social cues or express themselves clearly. Some are nonverbal, while others speak fluently but still have difficulty with conversation.

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects reading, spelling, writing, and sometimes speaking. It is not linked to intelligence. About 1 in 5 people have some form of dyslexia, and they account for 80–90% of learning disabilities in schools. Dyslexia can cause people to mix up letters and sounds or struggle with longer or unfamiliar words.

Reading can be frustrating and exhausting. People with dyslexia often avoid reading aloud or writing due to fear of making mistakes.

Deafness

Deafness is a hearing disability where a person has little to no ability to hear. Some are born without hearing, others lose it over time. It can affect one or both ears and range from mild to profound. Around 1 in 8 people in the U.S. aged 12+ has hearing loss in both ears. About 2–3 in every 100 children are born with a detectable level of hearing loss.

People who are deaf may use sign language, lip reading, or hearing aids. They can face communication barriers in places where sign language isn’t used, and may have limited access to emergency alerts or announcements.

Blindness

Blindness is a visual disability where a person has limited or no vision. Some are born blind, others lose sight from injury or illness. Around 7 million adults in the U.S. experience vision loss, and 1.3 million are legally blind.

Blind individuals rely on senses like hearing and touch and may use tools such as white canes, guide dogs, Braille, or screen readers. They may face difficulty navigating unfamiliar spaces independently.

Functional Disability

Functional disabilities are difficulties in daily activities due to physical, mental, or emotional conditions. These affect mobility, communication, learning, self-care, and social interaction. About 1 in 4 U.S. adults has some type of functional disability, and mobility-related challenges affect about 1 in 7.

Tasks like opening doors, speaking, or climbing stairs may require assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, or communication tools.