Dyslexia & Academia With Dr Nicholas Cummins

Ever wonder what it's like to discover you're dyslexic later in life? That's exactly what happened to our guest, Dr Nicholas (Nick) Cummins of King's College London, who shares how he navigated childhood confusion and found clarity as an adult. This episode offers an inspiring look at how dyslexia can shape your journey but never limit what's possible.

Nick talks about growing up without knowing why reading felt harder. When the diagnosis finally arrived, it was both a relief and a revelation. In this conversation, we uncover key life lessons, from recognising early signs to trusting yourself enough to shape your own path. Keep reading for the highlights from this episode, or scroll up to hear the conversation in our podcast player.

Childhood Challenges and Hidden Struggles

For Nick, reading and writing always seemed to demand more time. At school he sensed something wasn’t clicking, especially when classmates cruised through tasks he found exhausting. Despite working harder, the results didn't match the effort he put in.

Many of us can relate to that feeling of “working twice as hard” just to keep pace. In some cases, these early signals might slip under the radar. It wasn’t until much later that Nick connected the dots and realised dyslexia sat at the root of his struggles.

Realising Dyslexia in Adulthood

As he pursued higher education, Nick noticed that his learning style was different from others. He started researching reading difficulties and noticed that dyslexia aligned with his experiences. Receiving an official diagnosis as an adult was life-changing.

“I thought I’d been living with this invisible barrier, but when I realised it was dyslexia, it felt like the final puzzle piece clicking into place.”

A formal evaluation put a label on years of self-doubt. Instead of viewing dyslexia as a setback, Nick chose to see it as a tool for self-understanding. That fresh perspective spurred him to adapt his study techniques, which ultimately helped him excel in academia.

Valuable Insights from Nick’s Journey

Nick isn’t just an academic success story. He’s a testament to the idea that dyslexia can motivate you to find unique solutions. Rather than viewing it as a roadblock, he used it as a springboard for creativity.

• Experiment with different learning formats. Audiobooks or visual tools may revolutionise your study routine.
• Embrace your differences rather than hiding them. These traits might be your strongest assets.
• Don't be afraid to share your story. Opening up can help others recognise their own patterns.

His experience shows that you can pivot your struggles into strengths. There’s something powerful about embracing who you are and focusing on solutions that match your personal style.

Forging Your Own Path

It’s easy to feel behind if you discover dyslexia later in life. You might think you’ve missed standard support systems. Yet Nick’s journey shows that it’s never too late to seek answers. He emphasises:

1. Self-advocacy: Speak up about what you need. The moment you ask for help is often the moment you start finding real solutions.
2. Continuous learning: Keep reading, listening, and exploring. Dyslexia doesn't prevent you from soaking up new knowledge.
3. Community support: Find a network of people who understand. Shared experiences can spark new ideas and reduce isolation.

These strategies remind us that every journey is personal. Still, the most important step is realising you're not alone and that support is within reach.

Key Takeaways

• Late diagnosis can be both surprising and empowering.
• Childhood clues often go unnoticed but make perfect sense in hindsight.
• Understanding dyslexia is a gateway to personalised learning methods.
• Asking for help and connecting with others fuels growth.
• Dyslexia isn’t a barrier, it can be your biggest advantage.

If you want to hear Nick’s full story, check out the podcast player at the top of the page. His experiences highlight that dyslexia doesn’t have to define you—it can be the launchpad for achievements you never thought possible.

Ready for more? Hit play on the episode or subscribe to our YouTube Channel for the video version. You’ll find new insights and stories that keep you inspired on your own dyslexia journey.