postr/StutterJuly 11, 2024

Coworkers referring to their non-existent stutter when you obviously have a stutter

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Content

Coworkers referring to their non-existent stutter when you obviously have a stutter Weird question, because I might be overreacting and rambling. How do y’all feel about people referencing their little word slip ups or mispronunciations as their “stutter”, joking about it, knowing full well their coworker has a stutter? I know this is probably a slight reach on offensive, but it is kind of annoying to me. It’s happened more than three times since they saw my “I have a stutter badge”, which I just wear for clarification for customers. Don’t get me wrong, using the word stutter when you actually stutter through a word is totally fine with me. And I’m pretty lenient with stuff but this person says things like “I don’t think I have a stutter but sometimes I can’t talk” or “I think I may have a stutter because I slur my words together sometimes”, and “Wow I really stuttered on that one!” Like are they just trying to relate to me and absolutely failing at it? I am right here dealing with looks from people, out of breath from trying to speak, and my mouth physically hurts from getting through these words almost to the point of crying but thank you. I know my work wants me to address it with them before it escalates, but I’m the type that just internalizes things to avoid confrontation. Like, I can have a conversation and talk about my experiences and the research and facts but at this point I just feel kind of belittled. Thank you for your time.

Themes

Identity & DisabilitySocial & Relationships

Subthemes

Stigma & BullyingDisclosure & Telling Others