Disability
This page is a public note about disabilities and health conditions that affect how I work and communicate.
Motor dysgraphia (handwriting)
I have motor dysgraphia (a handwriting impairment). In my first journal entry, Sept 17, 2011 (age 15), I wrote:
"I have dysgraphia, and it makes it very troubling for me. For the reasons of I am very self conscious about it, and I can barely re-read anything I wrote before. Luckily, I am getting a laptop in just a few days, I am very excited for this!"
That laptop changed everything. In practice, dysgraphia means that writing by hand can be slow, tiring, or painful. My handwriting can be difficult to read, and I communicate best through typing.
I still use analog tools sometimes (dollar-store coiled notebooks, cheap pens), treating them as imperfect, supportive tools.
PSVT (heart condition)
I have PSVT (paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia). The details aren’t important for most people; what matters is how it affects day-to-day life.
I can get sudden episodes of a racing heart. Heat and poor sleep can make things worse. Because of this, I’m careful with stimulants (especially caffeine).
Major Depressive Disorder / Generalized Anxiety Disorder
I have been dealing with anxiety (including panic/agoraphobic features) and depression for my whole life.
I do better with asynchronous communication (email) than surprise phone calls. I may need to cancel plans sometimes, especially if I'm struggling with symptoms. I'm sensitive to overwhelm; quieter environments help. Choosing to show up is a daily practice. Made again every morning. Sometimes every hour.
Practical accommodations
If you're working with me (client, editor, collaborator), these help a lot:
- Write it down. Email is best. I don't do unscheduled phone calls.
- Give lead time. Last-minute requests spike stress. "Can you build this by Friday?" is not a plan.
- Be specific. Concrete feedback and clear next steps reduce ambiguity. Vague pitches don't help.
- Assume good faith. If I'm quiet, I'm probably processing.
- Asynchronous communication preferred. Scheduled calls in advance. Respect written documentation.
Some of these boundaries are disability accommodations. Some are just good practice. All of them make my work better.
