Swinging Past Dyslexia: Patrick’s Journey from Shame to Strength
Imagine being a sixth grader, heart pounding, trying to speed-read a passage in front of 27 peers—only to stumble, get called out, and feel the sting of humiliation sear into your memory. That’s where Patrick’s dyslexia story begins, shared raw and real on the “Don’t Call On Me” podcast with hosts Megan and Aaron. From a sports-loving kid in a bubble of special ed to a college baseball coach and admissions advocate at 31, Patrick’s journey is a testament to resilience—and a wake-up call for parents. Dyslexia didn’t break him; it built him, and with the right tools and champions, your kid can rewrite their story too.
The Sixth-Grade Spotlight That Sparked a Question
Patrick’s dyslexia crashed into focus in a suburban Massachusetts middle school. New school, new English class, and a turn to read aloud. “I’d skip words I couldn’t say,” he recalls, but a classmate’s jab and a towering teacher’s glare turned it into a defining moment. Humiliated yet curious, he bolted to the resource room, asking, “Why am I struggling?” The answer: dyslexia. Unlike many kids crushed by early labels, Patrick’s bubble—special ed since day one—kept him blissfully unaware he was “different” until then. Parents, here’s the takeaway: timing matters. Shielding him early let him grow unburdened, but that curiosity kickstarted his growth.
Sports: The Lifeline Through Middle School Mayhem
“Middle school was hell,” Patrick says, and who can’t relate? Social cues misfired, math tests tanked (a 2/10 after a 10/10 the day before!), but sports—baseball and basketball—saved him. “Sports was my outlet,” he explains, a sanctuary where gym teacher Mr. M became his emotional anchor. Neuroscience nods along: physical activity boosts dopamine, buffering the stress of a dyslexic brain wrestling with academics. For Patrick, it wasn’t just play—it was survival, stitching confidence into a fraying self-image. Parents, don’t underestimate that soccer field or dance studio—it’s where your kid’s resilience can bloom.
Author Quote“
I’m the book… You have to read to understand special ed—I am special ed.
”
College: Rewiring Reading at 21
High school was a slog—graduating with a sixth-grade reading level, pushed along with Cs and Bs by sympathetic teachers who saw his grit. But Landmark College in Vermont flipped the script. With Wilson reading programs and tools like Kurzweil and Dragon, Patrick learned to slow his racing brain. “I’d draw an apple on a flashcard to remember the word,” he shares—a visual hack from Professor Bacham that clicked. By 21, he read at grade level. Neuroplasticity alert: it’s never too late to rewire. Parents, if your teen’s still struggling, don’t buy the “stuck” myth—targeted support can change the game.
Key Takeaways:
1
Late Bloomers Thrive: Patrick learned to read at 21, showing neuroplasticity works—don’t give up on your kid’s potential.
2
Outlets Build Resilience: Sports gave Patrick confidence when academics faltered—a reminder to find your child’s spark.
3
Empathy Drives Impact: His struggles fuel his coaching, turning dyslexia into a gift for connecting with others.
Coaching with Empathy: Giving Back What He Needed
Now a college baseball coach and admissions assistant in Massachusetts, Patrick’s turned his dyslexia into a coaching superpower. “I ask players, ‘How do you learn—visual, kinesthetic, auditory?’” he says, stunning kids who’ve never been asked. His empathy, forged in middle school’s crucible, shines—mentoring dyslexic and ADHD youth, advocating for special ed. “I’m the book,” he told a college class, owning his story. Parents, this is your kid’s future: strengths like perseverance and intuition, honed by struggle, can light the way—if you nurture them.
Author Quote“
Sports saved my life… I could run and be a kid and not think about anything
”
Labels Don’t Define Destiny
Patrick’s tale slays the villain I loathe: the lie that dyslexia dooms you. “I’d choose it again,” he declares—it’s made him unique, creative, unstoppable. But it took champions—his mom, Mr. M—to keep him afloat, and his own grit to climb. Parents, you’re the linchpin. Don’t let schools or shame label your child “less than.” Push for support, yes, but also spotlight their strengths—sports, art, whatever—and enforce the effort to grow. Because if Patrick can swing from “dumb” to coach, your kid can too. Step up, or the real failure’s on you.
