Episode #3
Diagnosed at 37: How Dyslexia Hides—Even From a Doctor | Dr Rohini Sabherwal, GP
"I was told I just didn't read enough." For years, that was the explanation for Dr Rohini Sabherwal's struggles at school. It wasn't until she was 37 - mid-way through a Master's, and already a practising GP - that a chance moment revealed the truth: she's dyslexic. Host Meryem Hassan sits down with Rohini for a warm, honest and genuinely illuminating conversation about growing up undiagnosed, the "lightbulb moment" that changed everything, and what her dual perspective - as a dyslexic person and a doctor - reveals about how neurodivergence is understood, missed, and better supported. Together they explore growing up dyslexic and undiagnosed in 90s Northern Ireland; the childhood "careless mistakes" she still carries; being diagnosed at 37, and the grief, relief and vindication that followed; how dyslexia really shows up beyond the myths; the strengths it brings, from pattern recognition to thinking in pictures; the stigma that still surrounds neurodivergence in healthcare; the surge in late diagnosis and the divide behind who gets assessed; how women in particular have been misdiagnosed; teaching the next generation of doctors; self-care; and her advice to her younger self. A warm, strengths-based listen for anyone who's ever wondered, felt missed, or is still finding the words for their own story. GUEST: Dr Rohini Sabherwal A dedicated East London GP with immigrant roots and a passion for advancing women's health and equitable care. She's also a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Community-Based Medical Education at Queen Mary University of London, helping to shape the doctors of tomorrow. Rohini is dyslexic. A NOTE ON THIS EPISODE This is a warm, informative conversation. Where medication is discussed, it is for general information only - please always speak to your GP or a qualified professional about your own circumstances, rather than relying on anything heard here or on social media. FREE GUIDE Download our free guide, Myths & Misconceptions: Understanding Neurodivergence - covering autism, ADHD and dyslexia - at https://dyscourse.org ABOUT THE SHOW The Neurodivergent Lens is a video podcast exploring neurodivergence through conversations with lived and professional experience. Brought to you by Dyscourse - changing minds and empowering differences around neurodivergence. Special thanks : Sue McMillan, Strumhum Creatives (production, editing, music); Hannah Taylor, The Lens Box (filming, photography); and our guest, Dr Rohini Sabherwal. Watch, Listen & Connect Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: @TheNeurodivergentLensPodcast Website: https://dyscourse.org/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4wVeWmS Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Vzy9a6fLbo3YnmNUuiM43 Download our free PDF guide on Myths & Misconceptions: https://dyscourse.org/ (above footer) Follow: Instagram: @the.neurodivergent.lens LinkedIn: Dyscourse Facebook: TheNeurodivergentLens Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional support. Please seek qualified guidance where needed.
