‘If I hadn’t faced the bullying…’: Fatima Bosch, Miss Universe 2025, was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD at age 6

“Being real is the deepest thing one can dare to do. Eat well, nourish yourself well, be healthy. I had dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These were difficult things to get through, but I believe all human beings have a cross to bear, something that will help you develop your greater purpose,” Bosch told the interviewer, adding, “I believe if I hadn’t faced the bullying that I had experienced, I wouldn’t have learned to move forward and believe in myself. I would not have developed the empathy that I have today. So, I wouldn’t change anything about my past. I firmly believe everything that happens to us, happens for a reason, and we need to learn from it.”

Mexico’s Fátima Bosch wins the 74th Miss Universe title (Source: screengrab from YouTube/MissUniverse)

Battling ADHD and dyslexia

ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition that affects focus, impulse control, and daily life. It is often characterised by a pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, which is likely to significantly interfere with a child’s academic, social, and daily functioning. Neha Cadabam, a senior child psychologist at Cadabams Child Development Centre, said that dyslexia primarily affects reading and language processing.

“Difficulty recognising letters, matching letters to sounds, or learning the alphabet. Challenges in remembering nursery rhymes or sequences, such as days of the week, delayed speech or mispronunciation of words, are some signs to look out for,” she said, adding that there’s no specific age for signs to show up, but keeping a vigilant eye can help caregivers identify and intervene at the initial stage.

Dr Rimpa Sarkar, PhD in Clinical Psychology, and Founder of Sentier Wellness, added that learning disabilities and ADHD can also persist into adulthood if unnoticed or unsupported. “Many learn to mask their struggles, so symptoms often appear as workplace stress, burnout, or feeling ‘not good enough,’ carelessness or lack of discipline. In reality, both learning disabilities and ADHD reflect differences in how the brain processes and manages information and not a lack of capability,” she told indianexpress.com.

Fatima Bosch’s story is a powerful reminder that learning disabilities like dyslexia and ADHD have nothing to do with intelligence or potential. Learning difficulties don’t define a child’s future; what truly matters is timely identification and intervention.

During the pageant finale, Bosch was heard saying that as Miss Universe, she would empower young men and women all around the world to follow their truth and embrace their authentic self. By speaking up about her condition, she made a valiant effort to highlight that learning disabilities are not a deterrent, but tools to add to one’s self-expression.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.