I remember when I walked into my new middle school, not knowing anyone. I was nervous, but I made some early friends. Some of them asked me about my stuttering, and I didn’t know exactly what to say. I decided to tell the truth, which was to disclose my stuttering. It worked. Everyone understood, and nobody gave it a second thought.

When I had to give a presentation to my music class, I used self-disclosure and it worked again with everyone understanding. In fact, the class said I gave the best presentation, even though I stuttered through it. I also used self-disclosure to educate my teachers, so they know that I am not nervous but just need an extra second or two to finish my responses.

Whenever someone asks about my stuttering, the best response is always self-disclosure. This can work for you too. Remember, your ideas are more important than the time it takes to express them. Stuttering is randomly high and low. Somedays, you may speak fluently. Other days, you may stutter a lot. That shouldn’t affect your actions (besides self-disclosing). Every day, you should strive to check as many of these boxes as you can.

• I educated someone about stuttering when I had the chance
• I stuttered openly and didn’t try to hide it
• My stuttering didn’t affect any of my decisions, besides advocating for myself

Here is how I self-disclose: “Hi, my name is Arman Prakash, and I am a person who stutters. You may hear blocks or repetitions in my speech. It doesn’t mean I am nervous. Stuttering is something I was born with and I cannot control. I just need more time to finish.

Although you will face hard times throughout your school years, please take away from this message the importance of self-disclosing. Middle school has its challenges, but your ideas are more important than the time it takes to express them.

Thank you for listening,

Arman