I wouldn't call it abuse, but if we can see some kids have legit anxiety about speaking up, we let them off on it.
However that obviously also means talking to both them, their parents and obviously if there is more serious signs the schools psychologist about it. I have had a few kids on the edge of beginning to cry, clearly not being able to speak and present something in front the their class. There is no real point in pressuring them at that point.
It usually seems to work and prepare them to practise it a lot early on, and make them present it just in front of one or two class mates at a time, and most certainly get over it with time and by practising in small groups. By the time they reach high school they certianly should be either ready to do class presentations or have a diagnosis, but I think middle school ages is a bit early to just require everyone to do so.
