Navigating High School with a Speech Impediment: Tips and Insights

Experiences with bullying can vary widely depending on the school environment, attitudes of peers, and individual circumstances. Unfortunately, some students might not understand or be sensitive to differences like a speech impediment, which could lead to bullying. However, many students and schools promote inclusivity and kindness, often providing supportive peers and adults.

Here are a few strategies to consider for those with speech impediments in high school:

Build Confidence

Working on your speech with a speech therapist or through practice can help boost your confidence. Many schools offer special programs or guidance counselors who can help.

Find Supportive Friends

Surround yourself with friends who appreciate you for who you are and can provide support when needed. Being in a supportive environment can make a significant difference in how you handle challenging situations.

Communicate Openly

If you're comfortable, share your experiences with teachers or school counselors who can help create a more supportive environment. Students often find that openly discussing their struggles can lead to increased understanding and support.

Focus on Your Strengths

Engage in activities that showcase your talents and interests, helping you connect with others who share similar passions. This can provide a valuable social and emotional support network.

Know How to Respond

Think about how you might respond to any negative comments, whether it's with humor, assertiveness, or simply walking away. Having a strategy in mind can help you handle these situations more effectively.

My Experience

To be clear, I have a stutter, not a speech impediment. However, I will tell you a tale of two girls: one with a speech impediment and one who stutters.

There's this girl in my grade whom I'll call Maddie (not her real name). I've known Maddie for years, and her most distinguishing feature is her speech impediment. Despite this, she has more confidence and friends than anyone else I know.

In class, Maddie is always the first to speak her mind or answer questions, and she talks to everyone. People used to make fun of her speech impediment, but she never let it get to her at least not publicly. Eventually, when we got to high school, no one really made fun of the way she talked. She had enough confidence in herself that it just didn’t matter to her.

I've always envied her for this and wished I could be more like her. However, I just don’t have the confidence to be like this. My stutter began around 7th grade, which was basically a gold mine for bullying. There were many guys who would make fun of me, and I lost a lot of confidence.

Then, in sophomore year, my APUSH teacher made fun of me in class for my stuttering. After this, people started making fun of me for my stutter again. I mean, why wouldn’t they? A teacher made it very clear that it was alright, but the point I’m trying to make is that you can get bullied, but the way you respond will determine whether or not it continues. If you can find the right friends or find the confidence to not let it bother you, everything will be alright.

I wish you the best of luck.

Editor's Note: This personal account has been shared to provide insights and support to others facing similar challenges. If you are looking to share your own story, or if you are looking for more resources on speech impediments and bullying, feel free to reach out to your school's guidance counselors, speech therapists, or online communities dedicated to supporting individuals with similar experiences.