His Dyslexia Was Missed Until Middle School | Don't Call On Me Ep. 41

What happens when a bright child struggles for years—but no one identifies the real reason why?

In this episode of Don't Call on Me, Megan and Aaron sit down with Caroline James, educator, mom, and dyslexia advocate, to share the story of her son Andrew. Andrew struggled with reading, writing, school avoidance, and behaviors that were interpreted as defiance. He received evaluations and support, but his dyslexia wasn't identified until middle school—even though the signs had been there for years. Caroline shares what she wishes she had known as both a parent and an educator, why behavior can be communication, and what changed when Andrew finally received appropriate academic language therapy and an environment that understood how he learned.

Today, Andrew is preparing for life after high school with something that once seemed far away: confidence in himself and the ability to advocate for what he needs.

Caroline also shares how Andrew's experience inspired her to advocate for other families through Literacy Roundup, a Fort Worth initiative providing dyslexia screening and advocacy support to families in the community.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The early dyslexia signs that can be mistaken for behavior

• Why a diagnosis alone isn't enough

• Asking exactly what intervention your child is receiving

• The emotional impact of years of struggling in school

• Academic language therapy and rebuilding confidence 

• Teaching children to advocate for themselves

• What parents should ask during IEP/ARD meetings

• Why parents should trust their instincts and keep asking questions

• Caroline's work bringing dyslexia screening and advocacy into the Fort Worth community

Caroline's message to parents is simple: You know your child. Ask questions. Push for answers. And trust your gut. 

🎧 Don't Call on Me is brought to you by Dyslexia on Demand and Advocate to Educate. Subscribe for more real conversations about dyslexia, special education, advocacy, intervention, and the experiences of families navigating learning differences. 

#Dyslexia #DyslexiaAwareness #DyslexiaSupport #SpecialEducation #IEP #ParentAdvocacy #ReadingIntervention #AcademicLanguageTherapy #LearningDifferences #DyslexiaParent