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About the Designer

About the Designer

Hi, I'm Kate, and I made this site!

I'm a senior Graphic Design BFA student at Portland State University, a single parent of two teens, a cancer survivor, and an adult with ADHD living with multiple Executive Function deficits.

A self portrait of the site designer. Text around their head reads "Ask me about my Executive Dysfunction" in a bubbly y2k font

I wanted to teach others about Executive Dysfunction and promote empathy and understanding for those of us living with what is generally an invisible disability.

There is so much stigma around Executive Dysfunction, and ableism is pervasive. It took me years to accept that I have a disability, not massive character flaws that can be “fixed” if I just try hard enough (and I'm pretty sure I've tried every strategy and life hack out there).

I realize now that my brain works differently from those with strong Executive Function skills. I'm starting to be more open about my challenges and limitations, I request accommodations where available, and I set boundaries to take care of my mental and physical health. I also use a ton of coping strategies and life hacks, but I've stopped wasting time and energy trying to force my brain to do things it can't.

As a design student I've discovered an affinity and aptitude for using design thinking processes to solve problems. And I've learned to celebrate the strengths of "dysfunctional" brains, especially when it comes to creativity and divergent thinking. We really do put the FUN in Executive Dysfunction!

Thank you so much for reading! ^_^

A self portrait of the site designer. Text around their head reads "Ask me about my Executive Dysfunction" in a bubbly y2k font

Hi, I'm Kate, and I made this site!

I'm a senior Graphic Design BFA student at Portland State University, a single parent of two teens, a cancer survivor, and an adult with ADHD living with multiple Executive Function deficits.

I wanted to teach others about Executive Dysfunction and promote empathy and understanding for those of us living with what is generally an invisible disability.

There is so much stigma around Executive Dysfunction, and ableism is pervasive. It took me years to accept that I have a disability, not massive character flaws that can be “fixed” if I just try hard enough (and I'm pretty sure I've tried every strategy and life hack out there).

I realize now that my brain works differently from those with strong Executive Function skills. I'm starting to be more open about my challenges and limitations, I request accommodations where available, and I set boundaries to take care of my mental and physical health. I also use a ton of coping strategies and life hacks, but I've stopped wasting time and energy trying to force my brain to do things it can't.

As a design student I've discovered an affinity and aptitude for using design thinking processes to solve problems. And I've learned to celebrate the strengths of "dysfunctional" brains, especially when it comes to creativity and divergent thinking. We really do put the FUN in Executive Dysfunction!

Thank you so much for reading! ^_^