 About the Author: My name is Abed Ahmed and I’m a 23 year old secondary school maths teacher who stammers! |
Stammering since the age of 4 has been a challenge in various stages of my life and the transition from primary to secondary school was not an easy move. The fact that there were many pupils in secondary school was a daunting concept; because it meant that I was more likely to be bullied about my stammer. I was often teased about my stammer which at times made me feel angry towards myself and that somehow I was at fault. My parents used to tell me to calm down and speak slowly but they never seemed to quite understand. Why would they? Not many people are aware of what a stammer is.
My journey through secondary school was not as difficult as other individuals who stammer have reported. I was lucky enough to have a supportive network of friends, coupled with the quality of confidence I gained whilst studying GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) Drama at school, which I believe is an integral trait to have when it comes to your stammer. Fast forward to the age of 18 (when one naturally becomes more conscious about appearance and self-aware) whilst I was at sixth form, I finally decided to seek help from the NHS (National Health Service) regarding my stammer. After signing up, I gave up waiting for a call until they got back to me almost a year later. I received a phone call for my first therapy session and in retrospect, it was the best decision I’ve ever made. It was the first time in 18 years that I was finally able to open up to someone about my stammer. Not once did my friends, family or school ask me about it, nor did I ever bring the topic up, solely out of embarrassment. Therapy helped me realise that, the quicker you accept your stammer, the quicker you can move on. And that’s exactly what I did. I stopped caring.
Three years later, I completed my degree and became a secondary school maths teacher back at the school I attended as a young student. Teaching is a profession that requires you to speak 99% of the time. I was told by an ex-teacher that I wouldn’t be able to become a teacher because of my stammer and I believed it. However, I persevered and ensured I would overcome any obstacle; motivation which was reared by self-confidence, a quality which sadly not everyone possesses, especially at the younger pinnacle stages of life.
As a teacher, I decided to set up my own Stammer Support Sessions at my school. I worked with groups of stammering pupils aged between 11 and 16, focusing on improving their confidence and helping them to achieve a greater degree of fluency in their speech. I was able to assist in their development by conducting a variety of sessions; drama and theatrical role play, interview practice and tips, advice on how to approach people, and overall, by acting as a general supporting figure to give students a voice and empathise with their struggles. These hourly sessions were run once every fortnight since September 2016. I believe I was a role model to these pupils as I, myself, have a stammer and thus can relate on how difficult it can be dealing with stammering on a day-to-day basis. Ultimately I piloted these sessions because I aim to give all pupils a voice; it is integral that all students of all abilities have a positive mind-set and the confidence that is needed to achieve their goals despite having a stammer. The impact of such sessions on their personal development and confidence has been colossal. Pupils have flourished in character as a result of these sessions and it has been a gratifying experience, particularly as I myself, can relate to their struggles. As a pupil, I felt isolated and nervous as I was not given the support I needed throughout the vital years of development. These pupils now have access to means of support at an outstanding establishment.
So, what next?
I am going to be leading on more projects in the upcoming academic year at my school. I want to raise more awareness amongst the staff in school and want to help pupils further their confidence in speech and language. I will be doing this by publishing a stammering awareness video which I have created with my pupils. This video will be shown to the staff at my school and will be published publicly for the wider world. I aim to develop these projects into something substantial, so if you wish to collaborate, please get in contact with me.
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Thank you for sharing your story! I am a graduate student in Speech Language Pathology and in my experience working with people who stutter, many of them have described their stutter as being a source of strength and motivation to go above and beyond in other aspects of their life. In my program, we focus on the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach to stuttering intervention. I love when you said, “Therapy helped me realise that, the quicker you accept your stammer, the quicker you can move on.” This is exactly what ACT is all about! Keep up the good work and best of luck to you in all your endeavors!
Yes! ACT sounds amazing! Would love to learn more about it too ? do you have an email or Twitter so I can message you? If you have a Twitter, please follow me on @stammer_teacher
Thanks!
I really enjoyed reading your story, as it is so uplifting. It is great to hear an instance where someone created something positive out of something that was initially a struggle. I find it incredible that building confidence can potentially make a huge a difference for those who stutter. I admire the efforts you have put forth to be a role model and support system for kids who stutter.
Thank you for your kind words Emily! I’m glad you enjoyed reading the article. I think building confidence is the most crucial thing when it comes to accepting/overcoming your stammer
Thank you for sharing your insights and story. I liked you were able to cognitively reframe your struggles to a positive outlook. And giving children a chance to change their outlook on their stuttering. Look forward to reading more about your adventure/journey.
always
Michael
Hi Micheal, thank you for your lovely comment! You can follow my journey by following me on twitter @stammer_teacher
Your story is inspirational to me as a Speech Language Pathology student who may work with people who stammer in the future. I believe that because of your history with stammering and how it influenced your life, you have a much deeper understanding of what the students are going through. Many times finding someone that truly understands what you are going through is the biggest emotional breakthrough someone can have. Once that breakthrough has been achieved, inevitably success tends to follow. I applaud you on your efforts and determination to bring success to your students.
Thank you for such kind words Becky! I still remember when I met a year 8 boy who stammers and he told one of his teachers that he hasn’t met anyone the stammers! His teacher told me and I went to find him to speak to him and he was shocked to meet me!!
Your story is truly an inspiration of how perspective can change someone’s life. While I find it heartbreaking that an educator tried to diminish your dream of becoming a teacher because of a stammer, I am thrilled to hear that you pushed through and followed your heart. Like you said, a positive outlook can change the way one thinks about themselves, and in that time you realize that your stammer is a part of you, but it certainly does not define you. I am happy that you had such a positive experience with your speech therapy, and as a graduate student myself I look forward to helping people find the positives! Thank you for sharing your story and inspiring others to keep following their dreams!
Hey madischantz, thank you for your kind words! It really does mean a lot to me and my pupils! I really hope that educator was just having a bad day and he really did seem like he was fed up of his job so lets hope he really didn’t mean it. I really hope you enjoy the rest of your studies and whatever you do in the future! If you ever want to come to any of my sessions, feel free!
Thank you so much for sharing your story! You are truly an inspiration. I think it is great that you have learned how to overcome you stammer and not let it take over your life. I am glad you had such a positive experience with speech therapy. I am studying to become a Speech-Language Pathologist, and I hope that I am able to make the kind of positive impact on the lives of my future clients as you have had on the pupils you work with. You are such a great role model and your story has the ability to change the lives of not only of people who stutter, but anyone. I am glad that you did not let your stammer stop you from achieving your goal of becoming a teacher! I also love that you are raising awareness for stammering among your co-workers. I believe that openly talking about stuttering and raising awareness is one of the best things we can do to affect change.
Hi Margot, it’s my pleasure sharing my story and my pupil’s stories! I think all therapists make a difference! Just you listening is you helping to make a huge difference. You’re absolutely correct, talking about it more just makes it all seem okay!
I really enjoyed learning more about your students’ lives, including their struggles and plans for the future. I was also glad to see that you included yourself in the video because that shows you support your students and are willing to share your own story alongside them. The younger generations are the future and so you are doing a good job in helping them develop a positive outlook on life so that they may help themselves and others. I was so inspired by their stories and how stuttering affected them differently, yet they still smiled brightly and exuded hope and prosperity. You are all an inspiration to people who stutter and to anyone in general who has a goal they want to accomplish. I am a graduate student and I will keep your stories in mind when things get challenging. Thanks for sharing your story.
Hey Canadina, your comment really moved me and I will definitely show my pupils these comments. Yes, stammering affects us all in different ways, some more than others, I think as long as we all have someone to talk to, then things will certainly get better. I really hope you enjoy the rest of your studies and glad that you will always remember my story when things get challenging and thank you for reading my story! 🙂
Abed,
Wow! Your story and video were truly inspirational. It’s remarkable that you have become a role model for younger children who stutter and are able to share your story to help them preserver through any obstacle they may encounter. What you are doing is so important and I am in awe of your work. Teaching them interviewing tips and tricks as well as how to approach people is so significant.
I am a graduate student at Appalachian State University studying to become a Speech-Language Pathologist and am also a person who stutters. Much of your story resonates with me, especially when you discuss your early schooling experiences. As I do not have much practice in the therapy setting with children who stutter, I was hoping you could guide me in ways to become an effective ally to them? Thank you for sharing your story!
Eliza
Hey Eliza, your response was lovely and really meant a lot to me! I am so glad you find the story and video inspirational! The kids inspire me! Teaching them important skills now will hopefully make life easier for them when they grow older. I am in awe that my story is reaching people in North Carolina. I really hope you enjoy the rest of your studies and I respect you for doing a job that helps others! I think you personally will be AN AMAZING therapist as you said, you’re a stammerer too! You’re already an expert in my eyes and can relate to young stammerers better than non-stammering therapists! Biggest advice is, be understanding and I think you will ace that due to your own experiences! If you need any other advice, you can follow me on twitter @stammer_teacher
Thank you for sharing your story. It is amazing to hear about how individuals such as yourself struggled almost their whole lives and can grow up to be a successful individual like yourself. I am a graduate student studying Speech Language Pathology and I am currently taking a Disorders of Fluency class. I just have a questionf for you. I notice you said you started going to therapy once you were a teenager and not once did anyone ever recommend it earlier in life, but did you receive speech and language therapy at any point? Also, the students in your stuttering group in the school you teach in, do any of them receive speech and language therapy?
Thanks!
Hey jsperanza , thank you for reading my story! I did not receive any therapy until I self referred myself at the age of 18/19. I wish I was referred when i was younger but no one ever spoke to me about it! and Yes, my school have an external speech and language therapist who comes in once a week to help the pupils! 🙂
Your story was absolutely amazing! I am a graduate student in Speech Language Pathology. Before, I never really thought much about specializing in fluency. However, with everything that I have read and continue to learn about, I can start to see how this might be a path I travel down. Thank you for sharing!
Hey tbates13, thanks for reading my story! I am so glad that you may possibly go down the route of helping stammerers. We need people like you! I genuinely hope and wish all the best for your future as a therapist! 🙂
Thank you so much for telling your story! I feel like a lot of people who stutter, who had friends, can relate to you not discussing your stutter with them. I also loved your outlook on accepting your stutter and not caring about what other people think about you. It sounds like you are already implementing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach to your sessions with the kids at school. This is a great approach focusing on accepting your stutter. I was recently a student SLP at an intensive clinic that used ACT approach and saw amazing transformation of acceptance! It was suggested to read the book “The Happiness Trap”, which I think you would really enjoy! You should look into it!
Hi Kayla, thanks for reading my story! Yes, i definitely agree with ACT and believe that’s the way forward!! I also respect that you’re in a professional that helps and change lives. I will certainly look into that book! Do you know any that maybe children friendly? (for my stammering superstar pupils).
Thank you for sharing your story with us! As a first year graduate student in Speech-Language Pathology, I have had limited experience with stuttering thus far in my career. While I have attended classes with individuals who stutter, I was never truly aware of the effects it has on the person and their lifestyle. I believe we all can learn from those who stutter and gain insight into their daily lives. The fact that educators discouraged you from chasing your dreams breaks my heart into pieces. We need to build up all students, especially those who are lacking the confidence needed to be successful. I have no doubt you are touching the lives of all you meet!
Hi Ashley, it was my pleasure sharing mine and my pupil’s stories! Yes, there’s definitely more to stammering that other may not see, so many mental thoughts and anxiety contribute to stammering. It was sad when I heard an educator tell me that I couldn’t do it, maybe they were having a bad day? They did seem like they were fed up of the job so let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. I hope you enjoy the rest of your studies and seriously, i respect those who go into professions that help and change lives! Good luck 🙂
I really enjoyed reading your personal story and watching the awareness video you posted as well. I think it’s awesome that you overcame the fears you may have had associated with your stammer and followed your dream to become a teacher. I would imagine that being in a profession in which you have to speak in front of others so frequently could be intimidating at times! Furthermore, your dedication to others who stammer and helping bring awareness the cause in schools is amazing! I think that the more people learn about it and understand it, the less the public will feel uncomfortable around stammering and hopefully that can be a step into society making people who stammer not feel so intimidated by their speech. I am currently a first-year graduate student in a speech-language pathology program and I know that the first time I was truly introduced to the topic of stammering was when I had my undergraduate fluency course. I hope it becomes a topic that more people are introduced to earlier in their lives!
I’m glad you loved it! It was daunting at first speaking in front of 30 kids but you get used to it and I absolutely love it! Wouldn’t do any other job ? I totally agree that if we all educate at least one person about stammering then we will hopefully one day have a world that understand shuttering ?
Stuttering*
Thank you for sharing your story!! I am sure you are such an inspiration to the children who have attended your Stammer Support Sessions. I am a future SLP and have attended several discussions in which persons who stammer say that they wish they had met someone else who stammered when they were in primary and secondary school.
Your video was very wonderful! It is so important to educate others on stammering. I think educating others will really make an impact on stammering stigmas.
You’ve chosen a lovely career Sam. You will make a difference in someone’s life. They will be lucky to have you! Life in my school years would have been better if I met a stammerer! I wish I knew one. You’re correct, educating people about stammering will only help the world to understand stammering ? as you’re a future SLP, you should join twitter and there is a massive NETWORK of SLPs and people who are interested in speech and language ?
Hi Abed,
Your story was very inspirational. I was surprised to hear that you did not receive help for your stammering until you were 18. How do you think your childhood would have been different if you received those services earlier?
I also enjoyed hearing that you accomplished your goals, even when others doubted you. My best friend has a hearing loss and was told by multiple teachers that she would never make it to college because of her disability. She is currently a graduate student. It pains me to hear that there are teachers out there that will tell a child they cannot reach their dreams. I hope that your advocacy will continue to change the lives of your students, but also educate others in the process.
Thank you for your story.
Julia
Hi Julia, thank you for reading my story ? I always did think how I was never supported. Maybe I was just a really nice kid so teachers never had to speak to me much! If I did get therapy from a young age, I do wonder how things would have planned out hmm. I genuinely do not know. Thankfully I was a very confident and positive person so I just dealt with everyone on my own. Also, so happy for your friend. Just shows, we can all accomplish anything! And maybe that teacher who said that was haven’t a bad day, who knows but I didn’t let it get to me and just knew I had to do what I had to do to become a teacher and thankfully I did! I hope to educate the world one day about stammering ??
Hello!
Thank you for sharing your story. I believe the job that you do as a teacher and mentor is imperative. Setting an example for other students, not just those who stammer, but also for those who may possess difficulties in other areas, who have been picked on, or just don’t feel confident in the person that they are gives them a real life example that anyone is capable of what they believe they can do. I was genuinely surprised that during your childhood nobody addressed your fluency. Was this common for others who stammer in your area?
Good luck on your journey!
I live in the second biggest city on the UK Sarah and I still didn’t meet another stammerer until I was 19! I was genuinely surprised that I wasn’t supported too! I stammered so bloody well since I was 4 ?? but hey, as long as the future stammerers of this world don’t have to wait until they’re 18/19 to get help. Thank you for reading my story and good luck to yourself too ?
Abed,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It is unfortunate to hear about the ex-teacher who told you that you would not be able to become a teacher. I am glad you did not listen to them, persevered, and were successful. It is exciting to hear that you created a support group for students who stammer, as it can be very beneficial to hear other peoples’ perspectives and to let the students know that they are not the only ones who may feel a certain way. As a future speech-language pathologist, I hope to also give my future clients the support and reassurance that stammering does not define them and that they can do whatever they want!
Thank you,
Taran
Hey Taran, I hope that teacher was just having a bad day! And thank YOU for reading my story and watching my pupils’ video ? you have chosen a very respectful career and I applaud you for wanting to make a difference! Good luck and I’m sure you’ll be a fabulous SLP ?
Abed,
Your story is so awesome and inspiring! I love that you persevered through your stammer to become a successful teacher, dedicated to helping your students. I hope to be just as supportive with my future clients. Do you work with other teachers or SLP’s during your Stammer Sessions, and are they something you would want to expand beyond the schools?
Thank you,
Julianne
Hi Julianne, you are going to be amazing. We need people like you who want to dedicate their life to helping people. So massive respect to you ?
Yes, our school employs a SLP every year to help the pupils. They have seperate sessions to mine. I think that’s good as the pupils can practise techniques and all the other stuff that happens with therapy etc .. and absolutely want to get this out more to the wider world! One can only dream ?
You can continue to follow my journey on twitter @stammer_teacher
Thank you for telling your story and sharing the video. I am a graduate student studying to become a speech-language pathologist. In regards to parental involvement in stuttering, do you think there is a significant difference between parents who ignored their child’s stutter and parents who encouraged speech therapy and coping strategies?
Thank you again,
Claire
Hi Claire, firstly, thank you for reading my story and watching my video! Secondly, respect to you for studying a subject in SLP. You’re going to make a difference, I promise you!
Regarding your question.. I personally believe the second you have support and acceptance from those closest around you, the better you will feel about your own stammer.
I didn’t have that support and it was absolutely horrible and lonely. I used to think it was an actual problem with me and that it’s my own fault as my parents ignored it or told me off. It was not their fault. They simply were not aware.
Times are different now and I think more parents are aware of the support the NHS provides.
Please follow me on twitter to continue this topic or any other topic ?
@stammer_teacher
Hi Abed,
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story. I was so surprised to hear that it took so long for you to get services for your stuttering, but I am so glad that you persevered and were able to become a teacher despite others doubting you. I think it is incredible how you were able to give your students a role model and show them that it is okay to stutter. I was so inspired by this story and the program you developed and I really hope that you continue with it! It seems like you have made such a huge impact of the lives of your students and it is so admirable that you have dedicated yourself to this.
Thanks again,
Melanie Webber
Melanie, your kind words mean a lot to me and to my pupils! Thank you for reading my story and watching the video ? Giving the pupils a chance to speak and to shine in the support sessions is probably the best thing I’ve ever done. They have become different people! I really hope that you can continue to follow my journey on twitter. Again, thanks for your kind words and good luck to whatever the future holds for you ?
@stammer_teacher
Dear Abed,
I loved your story, I really felt how you overcame and became a success story for your students. That such an amazing motivation, and the changes you wish to make in the world are so impressive. Even though I do not stutter, I felt this connection to you in your journey. I loved that you emphasize confidence as the most important thing to teach and show your students. Not techniques, not therapist, but just inner confidence.
I’ve read other people’s posts and love that the general theme seems to be “how to help everyone be better” and “how to help the world.” The most unique thing about your post is that you have created a support group for young adults/children, so they have peer support instead of battling it alone. You have provided a safe, judgement-free place for them. I think these children will always remember you for your kindness and foresight.
Who knows how much damage could have been undone with thoughtful teachers like you? I hope you feel encouraged and validated in your work everyday, because I believe you deserve applause. The video tells a much deeper story as well, it was very well-done 🙂
Thank you for all you do,
Cindy Shuai
Hi Cindy, definitely the nicest message I have read thus far ? I don’t know what to say! I think it’s my teacher instincts to push my pupils to be the best person they can ever be. Inner confidence is definitely the key, I felt like that was the main factor which made me who I am today. If you’re confident, you can literally do ANYTHING.
Creating a safe environment for the pupils is definitely one of the best things i did (at first I didn’t realise the impact) but soon did! They all come out their shell in that session and sometimes go a bit wild (in a good way). I felt very encouraged Nd validated by just reading your comment! I hope all the best for your future and you can follow my journey on twitter if you want!
@stammer_teacher
Thank you for your inspiring story and message! Currently, I am a speech-language pathology graduate student and I am taking a fluency course at my university. We have learned about the importance of building rapport when working with individuals who stutter and helping them recognize what they have to say is important. It sounds like you provide these components when teaching your students, helping them become more empowered and persistent individuals. I love your message of letting them know they can do anything their hearts desire despite their stutter. I enjoyed reading your story!
Hi Talbmar, thank you for reading my story and watching the video ? I respect you for studying a course for a career in SLP. You are the kind of people we stammerers want to go to for help! Building rapport with everyone in life will just make things so much easier and I guess it’s just part of my teacher instincts to always tell students that they can be whatever they want to be ?
Hi Abed,
I appreciate your candor and positivity in sharing your story. The world needs more supportive, outspoken, and committed individuals like you. I was curious about what prompted you to seek help from the NHS regarding your stammer. I know that you said you became more conscious about your appearance and generally more self-aware, but what exactly were you seeking in contacting the NHS? How has therapy through the NHS informed your instruction currently?
Best,
Julia
Hi Julia, thank you for your kind words ? I don’t know why I seeked therapy, I was content and never let my stammer get to me. But I was just so curious what therapy could do and to be honest, I just wanted to open up to someone! Therapy helped me to become even better at accepting my stammer and accepting that it’s just a part of my life ?
Way to go!!! You’re not only had an amazing journey, you’re using it to help others! I too was a teacher and it helped my speech very much. It also increased my self esteem and became aware that, although I stutter, I communicate well. Thanks so much for giving these opportunities to students who stutter. I hope your story will help other PWS, as well as other students, to understand they can be anything they want!
Keep talking!
Anita S. Blom, Sweden
Hi Anita, thank you for reading my story ? I respect you for being a teacher. Not an easy job! I love how you said “although I stutter, I COMMUNICATE well”. That is a powerful phrase!! I really hope the best for whatever the future lies for you and I’m also glad that your students also will see you their hero as you have a stutter but that also did not stop you from reaching your goal!