At just 10 years old, Olivia McDonald has a powerful story to tell about dyslexia, self-confidence, and the life-changing impact of being understood.
In this inspiring episode of Don't Call on Me, hosts Megan Pinchback and Eryn Yolac sit down with Olivia and her mother, Chrissy, to share their family's journey from early reading struggles and school-related anxiety to a dyslexia diagnosis, effective intervention, and a renewed sense of belonging.
Despite Olivia's strong grades, her mother knew something wasn't right. Behind the scenes, Olivia was working incredibly hard, experiencing significant anxiety, and beginning to believe she wasn't smart enough. When her school questioned the need for testing and accommodations, Chrissy trusted her instincts and continued advocating for her daughter.
Everything began to change when Olivia received the support she needed, including specialized dyslexia instruction and enrollment at The Schenck School, where she discovered that learning differently didn't mean she was less capable.
Today, Olivia isn't just thriving. She's encouraging other children with dyslexia to recognize their strengths and speak up for themselves.
In this episode, we discuss:
Early signs of dyslexia that can be overlooked
Why good grades don't always mean a child isn't struggling
The emotional toll of unidentified learning differences
What happens when schools dismiss parental concerns
The importance of appropriate dyslexia intervention and accommodations
How the right educational environment can transform a child's confidence
Practical advice for parents navigating a new dyslexia diagnosis
Helping children embrace their learning differences and become self-advocates
Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, or someone with dyslexia, Olivia's story is a powerful reminder that every child deserves to feel capable, supported, and understood.
⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps
00:00 – Olivia's powerful message: “I'm special, not dumb”
01:32 – Meet Olivia McDonald and her mom, Chrissy
02:43 – Olivia's earliest memories of struggling with reading
04:03 – How one understanding teacher changed everything
06:29 – Second-grade challenges and advocating for testing
07:35 – The hidden emotional toll of undiagnosed dyslexia
09:09 – Why additional school support wasn't enough
10:42 – An unexpected encounter that encouraged Chrissy to seek testing
12:08 – Receiving Olivia's dyslexia diagnosis
13:17 – Why students with dyslexia can still earn good grades
14:27 – Olivia opens up about anxiety and perfectionism
15:57 – When schools don't honor accommodations
18:48 – Finding the right support after diagnosis
19:10 – How a specialized tutor helped Olivia feel smart again
20:11 – Life at The Schenck School
21:05 – Chrissy's search for the right school and intervention
23:33 – The acceptance that changed Olivia's future
25:17 – Why a supportive learning environment matters
27:44 – Finding friendship and belonging through shared experiences
30:50 – Olivia's advice for other children with dyslexia
31:47 – Chrissy's advice for parents navigating a diagnosis
34:30 – From “I'm dumb” to “I'm special”: Olivia's transformation
35:26 – How Olivia is now advocating for other children
36:00 – Final reflections and encouragement
💙 About Don't Call on Me
Don't Call on Me is a podcast dedicated to sharing the real stories of individuals and families navigating dyslexia. Through honest conversations, we work to remove stigma, build awareness, and remind families that they are not alone.
Learn more about our sponsors:
Dyslexia On Demand – Individualized, virtual dyslexia therapy delivered by Certified Academic Language Therapists (CALTs).
🌐 https://dyslexiaondemand.com
Advocate to Educate – Helping families navigate special education and advocate for their children's educational needs.
🌐 https://advocatetoeducate.com
🎙️ Share your story: https://dontcallonme.com
If Olivia's story resonates with you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with a parent, teacher, or student who needs to hear it.
Because a dyslexia diagnosis should never define a child's limitations. It can be the beginning of discovering their strengths.
#Dyslexia #DyslexiaAwareness #DyslexiaAdvocacy #LearningDifferences #DyslexiaSupport #ParentAdvocacy #StructuredLiteracy #DontCallOnMe