My name is Isabel / Izzy, and I am a dedicated college student living with Dysautonomia, psychogenic non‑epileptic seizures (PNES), and autism. These conditions make daily life unpredictable and often physically dangerous. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to continuing my education and building a future defined not by my disabilities, but by my determination.
Living with dysautonomia means that the autonomic nervous system responsible for regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and other involuntary functions does not function properly. As a result, I experience sudden drops in blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting episodes. My PNES episodes are often triggered by heightened emotions or sensory overload, causing seizure‑like events that can occur without warning.
As an autistic individual, these conditions are further complicated by sensory sensitivities and emotional regulation challenges. This combination creates a daily environment where attending classes can be physically unsafe , ,Navigating campus becomes a risk, Fainting or seizure‑like episodes can occur without warning, Independence is limited by the need for constant vigilance. These barriers significantly impact my academic progress, mobility, and overall quality of life. Having a service dog would allow me to be more independent, attend classes more consistently, navigate campus safely, and regain a sense of autonomy that has been diminished by my conditions.