Retard... Is the one I'm talking about. Just typing the word makes me sick to my stomach. Everyday people say it and don't even think about that fact it hurts people. Most people don't even know the true meaning of the word.
Mental retardation: A term used when a person has certain limitations in mental functioning and in skills such as communicating, taking care of him or herself, and social skills. These limitations will cause a child to learn and develop more slowly than a typical child. Children with mental retardation may take longer to learn to speak, walk, and take care of their personal needs such as dressing or eating. They are likely to have trouble learning in school. They will learn, but it will take them longer. There may be some things they cannot learn. As many as 3 out of every 100 people have mental retardation. In fact, 1 out of every 10 children who need special education has some form of mental retardation.
I make it a point to correct people who use the word. Even family. It is a word that is not used in our house nor around me or my family.
My youngest son has Down syndrome, and he has some degree of mental retardation. Meaning simply it takes him a little longer to learn some things than others. Nothing more. He's just like all other kids. He does all the things kids do it just might take him a little longer and more hard work than other kids to do it.
So please don't use the "R" word.
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If you have a myspace page add this little guy to your friends to help fight againest the "R" word.
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