Hi! My name is Corissa Pittman. I am 18 years old and a senior in high school. I love listening to music, reading, social justice, and trying new restaurants. I always had a hard time at school growing up and struggled to get a diagnosis. In 2016, I moved to Michigan to be closer to family. In 2017, I was diagnosed with dyslexia and various other learning disabilities…I thought that was the end of it. However, later in 2022, my twin sister and I were both diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Kabuki Syndrome. It was at this time when I also developed a stutter and mental illness.
5 Invisible Symptoms
- I struggled with my mental health for years after getting diagnosed with Kabuki Syndrome. I also contended with my sexuality and gender identities. I needed more support than I could get at home. I was admitted to the psych ward and stayed for two weeks around Thanksgiving. It was really hard but incredibly helpful.
- I have learning disabilities in math, reading and writing. I received literacy therapy, and it was really helpful.
- For my stutter, I have gotten pretty good at using the stutter tools I have learned along the way. It took me a while to use my stuttering techniques in a meaningful way, and not just because I was embarrassed. Stuttering is something that no one should be ashamed of.
- I have bone defects and a short stature because of Kabuki Syndrome. It does not affect me much, and you wouldn’t know unless you were paying close attention.
- I have vision issues. I was cross eyed when I was little and got surgery to correct it. Later, the optometrist prescribed me bifocals which has helped me in school.
4 Things That Help Me Manage The Pain / Symptoms
- I do weekly sessions with a therapist, and it has really helped me accept my disabilities.
- I have a psychiatrist who manages my mental health medications.
- I really love to read but my learning disabilities can make it difficult. I use screen readers and dyslexia friendly fonts to help me.
- I switched to online school a year ago to manage my symptoms, and it has been an amazing change. I am now able to get more one-on-one support.
3 Ways My Life Has Changed
- Learning I have Kabuki Syndrome has made me a better sister. I have been able to connect and relate to my twin sister, Chloe on a different level. With both of us being diagnosed, I am able to understand her and help her more.
- I realized that I was transgender in 2022 around the same time I was diagnosed with Kabuki Syndrome. My disabilities played a big role in figuring out that part of me. Being diagnosed also forced me to figure out things about myself that I was suppressing.
- Learning I have Kabuki Syndrome made me a better activist. It showed me a whole new perspective of the world. I am now passionate about speaking out against injustice.
2 People Who Inspire Me
- My twin sister Chloe has inspired me a lot. She is a ray of sunshine and is a big reason I started my activism journey. She is also my biggest supporter.
- My 9th grade social studies teacher inspired me. She showed me how to use my voice for change and helped make my love for history even stronger.
1 Thing I Want People to Know
Be yourself. That’s the one thing people can’t take away from you!
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