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