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Dork Diaries Book 14

Dork Diaries

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February 2, 2019

HELP! Kids Tease Me For Going To Special Ed!

Hi Brandon,

Sometimes I leave my usual classroom for Special Education since I have ADHD. There are kids who make fun of me for it and it really stinks. They think I’m weird and not very smart because I need extra help learning stuff. What do I do?

Learning That Words Hurt

Hey Learning That Words Hurt,

That really DOES stink. I’m really sorry this is happening to you. What those kids don’t get is that you’re just as smart as they are. Your brain is just wired differently than their’s. YOU probably know that. But I still pointed it out just in case someone reading this doesn’t.

I’m sure you don’t want to tattle. But if your teachers are not already aware of your situation, they should be. (And if they ARE aware but aren’t doing anything about it, then someone else at the school should be told.) Your school probably has an anti-bullying policy and this counts as big-time bullying.

Like most things teasing-related, the best approach is to act like it doesn’t bother you. I KNOW that’s super hard, but if you get emotional or defensive, you give them power and the teasing continues. Get out of the situation and go to the nearest adult or group of friends who respect and support you. You can make up an excuse like asking to go to the bathroom or something to immediately get away from those teasing you.

If there’s a certain time when kids make these comments, try to have a friend with you in those situations if you can. If it’s happening in the classroom, develop a signal with your teacher that means it’s happening, so he or she can deal with it. (It’s really their job, not yours.)

If you HAVE to respond, you could take pity on their obvious jealousy that you get out of class. If you get cool perks from that, like you play fun games or get candy rewards or something, tell them you’re sorry they have to stay in the boring class instead. 🙂

Most of all, DON’T let them get to you. The fact that they’re ignorant is their problem, not yours. You’re not any less smart. PLUS there are upsides to having ADHD. Research shows that people with ADHD are really good in a crisis (there are scientific explanations for this having to do with brain waves), way more creative than the average person, extremely intuitive, and have the ability to hyper-focus, which can be super productive for lots of things.

So remember YOU are awesome, THEY are insecure or jealous, and you will get through this!

What makes you different from other kids? How do you handle it when people tease you about it? Tell us in the comments!

Category: Ask Brandon Tags: embarrassment, schoolnikki

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Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    March 3, 2019 at 12:01 am

    hey,
    one of my BFFs happens to have a little brother that goes to a special school because he is like you.

  2. Yennifer says

    February 28, 2019 at 6:32 pm

    Hey I am special ed and I am in high school but I sometimes need help with anything that gets in my way and my friends we in there to but you also get me new people what I always told myself that I need to tried my best to get out of this class and which I did!

  3. NikkiLover12 says

    February 28, 2019 at 8:41 am

    hi Brandon, I’m your big fan

  4. # 1 fan says

    February 27, 2019 at 4:32 pm

    So not fair they tease

  5. Best Artist Ever says

    February 25, 2019 at 3:28 pm

    Those kids should not tease you for going to special ed.

  6. Diamond & Dorky says

    February 25, 2019 at 12:47 pm

    Hey Learning That Words Hurt,
    I’m so sorry that this is happening to you. What those kids don’t get is that you’re just as smart as they are. Your brain is just wired differently than their’s. YOU probably know that. But I still pointed it out just in case someone reading this doesn’t.
    The people that bully you need to understand that you are smart! Everyone is smart in something. They should know not to bully you. Just because you use extra help doesn’t mean you’re dumb. People should like you for who you are! Believe me, they will get over it. They won’t be there to bully you because you need to stay confident. Remember, they just want a reaction from you, without understanding things carefully. How would they feel if they went through this? I’m sure you don’t want to tattle. But if your teachers are not already aware of your situation, they should be. (And if they ARE aware but aren’t doing anything about it, then someone else at the school should be told.) Your school probably has an anti-bullying policy and this counts as big-time bullying. I know bullying is not allowed at schools, and this counts as bullying. One thing is that don’t let it bother you. Whoever teases you expects a reaction. My brother annoys me a lot, and I try best not to get mad at him, because I know he’ll keep on doing it. But don’t try to yell, get mad, or cry. (I know it’s hard.) Tell a trusted or the nearest friend or adult around you. I am sure they will help you. But, your teachers should know when you are getting teased.
    Like most things teasing-related, the best approach is to act like it doesn’t bother you. I KNOW that’s super hard, but if you get emotional or defensive, you give them power and the teasing continues. Get out of the situation and go to the nearest adult or group of friends who respect and support you. You can make up an excuse like asking to go to the bathroom or something to immediately get away from those teasing you. No big reactions! This will make them happy. Don’t let them bother you. Your qualities are what make you! Show them up!
    With ADHD, Brandon is right. And plus, it’s not your fault you have it! ADHD isn’t bad. You have really great qualities. Don’t worry, it could have been worse, like a life threatening condition! So, please hear me out when I say this.
    If you HAVE to respond, you could take pity on their obvious jealousy that you get out of class. If you get cool perks from that, like you play fun games or get candy rewards or something, tell them you’re sorry they have to stay in the boring class instead.
    Maybe, you can use ADHD as an advantage. I mean, what if you are getting out of an boring math, etc. class? They will be jealous! And, plus, you might get candy mini prizes, or other rewards, that will make them jealous. Wow! I didn’t know that people with ADHD are really good in a crisis, more creative, and more! That is another upside for you! Just remember you are unique and awesome.
    So remember YOU are awesome, THEY are insecure or jealous, and you will get through this!
    My advice would be to talk to your parents about how you feel. You need someone to help. They will understand, because it can be hard! Just remember that you rock! You are awesome, everyone will agree! Everything will be fine.
    I seem to be teased for the OPPOSITE problem! I’m one of the kids who get super worked up if they have a B- and always strives to be the best, so some kids say things like “She must have been made in a lab!” Or “it’s not fair for us with (my name) here!” I also take charge a lot and can be taken as “bossy” although I’m not trying to be (I have a bit of a problem with differentiating what’s rude and bossy and what’s not) so in the locker room when I say “come on everyone let’s go!” Or something like that anywhere a group of girls says something like “your not my mom!” And it’s a whole lot worse when you couple those two like when I help the teacher out with a problem or slide show (which happens a lot) Personally, I like that to say I’m holding up with being known for being the best at something, but this is what I do: while I do agree with Brandon on not getting really sad and defensive in front of them, I think you should still say SOMETHING to tell them to be quiet! But make sure that it doesn’t seem like your getting upset: that will give them more power. Just a little “I’m sorry you don’t get my awesomeness, but I’d really appreciate if you stopped trying to make fun of me for it.” Then you walk away and say nothing back. Sorry if that seems a little rude, but to me for it to stick it has to be extra memerable.
    I hope this helps.
    Your Dorky Pal,
    Diamond & Dorky

  7. Miss Dork X says

    February 24, 2019 at 10:59 am

    Hi Learning That Words Hurt,
    That does stink, like Brandon said. I am super sorry that this is happening to you. I have autism so I can relate. I personally, and I hope everyone else thinks this too, that no one should tease you. Your just as smart as they are, but like Brandon said, your brain is wired differently then theirs. Okay, I know you don’t want to tattle. If you do, not to scare you.
    I’m sure you don’t want to tattle. But if your teachers are not already aware of your situation, they should be. (And if they ARE aware but aren’t doing anything about it, then someone else at the school should be told.) Your school probably has an anti-bullying policy and this counts as big-time bullying.
    No big reactions! This will make them happy.
    Don’t let them bother you. Your qualities are what make you! Show them up!
    With ADHD, Brandon is right. And plus, it’s not your fault you have it! ADHD isn’t bad. You have really great qualities. Don’t worry, it could have been worse, like a life threatening condition! So, please hear me out when I say this.
    My autism is what makes me different, but I’ve learned to accept that part of my life. And I think you should do the same with your ADHD.
    Most of all, DON’T let them get to you. The fact that they’re ignorant is their problem, not yours. You’re not any less smart. PLUS there are upsides to having ADHD. Research shows that people with ADHD are really good in a crisis (there are scientific explanations for this having to do with brain waves), way more creative than the average person, extremely intuitive, and have the ability to hyper-focus, which can be super productive for lots of things.
    My advice would be to talk to your parents about how you feel. You need someone to help. They will understand, because it can be hard! Just remember that you rock! You are awesome, everyone will agree! Everything will be fine.
    So remember YOU are awesome, THEY are insecure or jealous, and you will get through this!
    I hope this helps.
    Your Dorky Pal,
    Miss Dork X

    • Anonymous says

      February 25, 2019 at 5:14 am

      Wow you are quite helpful.

  8. This is me says

    February 23, 2019 at 2:25 pm

    I am going to math reteach next trimester because I have a C+ in math.

  9. Sia In Wonderland says

    February 23, 2019 at 8:03 am

    It’s okay! Just remember it’ll get better!! 🙂

    All my best,

    Sia In Wonderland

  10. emoji girl says

    February 23, 2019 at 7:57 am

    I have hair extensions (I promise I’m not a mini Mackenzie) and that makes people think for some reason I don’t take showers

  11. ilovemycows!!!!! says

    February 20, 2019 at 5:39 pm

    Someone in my class has down syndrome and she is the most nice, and kind person I know!!!

  12. dorkgirl says

    February 20, 2019 at 2:57 pm

    its ok just stand up for yourself i bet you are as smart as them 🙂

  13. Writing freek! says

    February 19, 2019 at 4:57 pm

    I KNOW! I need help with writing… and I still get good grades but…. D: Not the best!

    • emoji girl says

      February 23, 2019 at 8:00 am

      My grandma thinks I have bad handwriting but I don’t❗

  14. cupcake says

    February 19, 2019 at 10:56 am

    Well i’m different because in class we have a reading level and im on level p witch is a fourth grade level and im in third grade and people think im smart and i think that to but i don’t know everything in the world

  15. Jemmica LOL says

    February 19, 2019 at 10:46 am

    Jemmica LOL
    I don’t have problems but kids tease me about my hairstyle but I ignore them
    But I’m a good dancer and nobody from my school knows that’s what make me cool
    ( hip hop )

    • Reader says

      February 21, 2019 at 8:29 pm

      nice I’m a dancer to. I do tap and jazz

    • This is me says

      February 23, 2019 at 2:23 pm

      I love hip pop! I have a class for dance at school! Hip pop and breaking are the best.

  16. Quirky kitty says

    February 18, 2019 at 2:52 pm

    Hey I totally understand.I go to special education too.

  17. #dorkdiariesfan says

    February 18, 2019 at 12:51 am

    hey i got speacial ed to sometimes i try to be at the top of the class just like my friend destiny. but it will never happen.

  18. unicornsrule says

    February 17, 2019 at 4:59 pm

    i would just ignore them and if to much to hold tell a adult so what if u do something different its theeir loss just be your self dont let them hurt u be the strongest u ever and be proud of yourself

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