If you do not know Professor Church, you should! He is a world-renowned genetics genius! He also is a molecular engineer, chemist and entrepreneur. He was a doctoral student under Walter Gilbert who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1980.

It may come as a surprise to some, but Professor Church is a fellow dyslexic and also suffers from narcolepsy. During our 45-minute Zoom call, he talked very freely about his experiences with both. I shared my experiences (and frustrations) with him.

While coping with dyslexia when he was younger, he seemed to primarily rely on two key tools: perseverance and passion. Dyslexia made traditional reading and writing challenging, but his determination to understand the world through science fueled his efforts to overcome these obstacles.

Today's advanced technology has indeed been a game-changer. He now uses audio books, text-to-speech software, and smartpens to make his work more accessible. These tools have significantly improved his ability to process written information and communicate effectively, leveling the playing field for those with dyslexia.

Regarding the co-occurrence of dyslexia and narcolepsy, it's true that these conditions can sometimes be comorbid with other challenges. While I have met very few individuals who share this combination, it's essential to remember that every person's experience with these conditions is unique. Each individual's journey is shaped by various factors beyond their diagnoses. Church shared humorous stories of falling asleep in classes and how teachers had encouraged him to become the brilliant person he is today.

For kids who, like me, were diagnosed with dyslexia later in life, his advice would be to embrace your uniqueness. Dyslexia can bring creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Don't let it define your limitations; instead, focus on your strengths, persevere, and pursue your passions. Seek out the tools and support that work best for you in this technologically advanced era. Remember, your potential is limitless.

Another piece of advice he had for me was to seek out others who also have dyslexia. He said he did not do that (seek out those with narcolepsy and dyslexia) until later in life. This was yet another motivation for me to create this website and reach out to those in the community!