Embracing Dyslexia Later in Life

I discovered I was dyslexic in my 40s — a revelation that explained so much of my childhood but came far later than I ever expected. Growing up, I struggled silently. Words twisted on the page, spelling felt like a code I could never quite crack, and pronouncing certain words was a constant challenge. At school, instead of support, I found myself masking my difficulties, driven by a deep fear of standing out for the wrong reasons.

So, I coped the only way I knew how — by working harder. I pushed myself relentlessly to keep up, to fit in, to appear as though I was just like everyone else. I became a master of blending in, quietly fighting battles no one around me could see. My mind learned clever tricks, but my heart quietly carried the weight of feeling different. I was alone in a world that didn’t know I was struggling.

But here I am today, in my mid-50s, and everything has changed. Learning that I am neurodivergent didn’t limit me — it freed me. It gave me language for what I’d experienced, and compassion for the parts of me I had once tried so hard to hide. I now embrace my dyslexia as an intrinsic part of my identity. It doesn’t define me, but it does shape the way I see and interact with the world. It’s part of my authenticity — my true self.

Recently, at the age of 55, I decided to join a Romanian language class. A new challenge, a new adventure. But as I sat in that classroom, I felt familiar stirrings rise up — that old voice whispering, you’re not good enough. Memories of being that young girl in school, anxious and embarrassed, came rushing back.

But this time, I met those feelings with love. I paused and spoke kindly to the younger version of me who still lives inside — the one who had always tried so hard and felt like she was never enough. I hugged her in my mind, comforted her, and reminded her that she is no longer alone. She is safe. She is seen.

To anyone out there who has ever felt different, or alone, or less-than — please hear me: you are not alone. There’s nothing wrong with the way your mind works. In fact, it may just be your greatest strength.

We all deserve to show up in this world exactly as we are — with our full, imperfect, brilliant selves. That’s not weakness. That’s courage.

Louise Vallace is the Founder and CEO of Aunty Lou’s House Limited, a vibrant platform dedicated to supporting individuals living with HIV and challenging societal stigma.

She hosts the inspiring podcast “Aunty Lou’s Hour”, where she interviews people from around the world about their HIV journey. She also goes onto the streets and talks to the public directly about HIV to open up a public dialogue about about HIV.

Beyond her HIV awareness Louise is a International public speaker, certified Yoga Teacher and Intersectional Coach, blending mindfulness and inclusivity into her practice. She is a proud neurodivergent

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