Lauren Sánchez Bezos Opens Up About Dyslexia Diagnosis She Concealed for Years
Lauren Sánchez Bezos has publicly discussed her dyslexia diagnosis, which she discovered at the age of 19 and kept hidden for many years, including during her tenure as a news anchor. She revealed this personal struggle while promoting her second children's book, The Fly Who Flew Under the Sea, on the Today show this Tuesday.
Early Diagnosis and Support from a Teacher
Sánchez Bezos recounted how her community college teacher played a pivotal role in identifying her learning disability. "My community college teacher got me tested," she explained. "She literally looked at me, because I was like, 'I can't write,' and she goes, 'You're not dumb, you just can't spell. You were learning differently.'" This moment of recognition helped her understand her challenges and paved the way for managing her dyslexia.
Concealing Dyslexia in the Newsroom
Despite her diagnosis, Sánchez Bezos chose to keep her dyslexia a secret throughout her career as a news reporter. "Even when I was a news anchor, no one knew I was dyslexic except my co-anchor [Rick Garcia]. And he would help me," she disclosed. She described how Garcia would assist her during broadcasts by whispering correct words when she struggled with on-screen text, demonstrating the discreet support she relied on to perform her duties effectively.
Promoting Literacy Through Children's Books
In her recent public appearance, Sánchez Bezos emphasized the importance of reading to children, using her own experiences to inspire others. Her new book aims to encourage parents to engage in storytelling with their kids, highlighting her commitment to literacy and education despite her personal learning challenges.
