Is it better to say retard or downs syndrome ?

Question

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http://www.ifilm.com/video/2799960?ns=1

Answer 1

The words we use about others say a lot about the way we see others. When referring to someone with disabilities, we should use person first language (PFL), or what is also known as politically correct language (PCL).

This should be done to help bring positive attitudes towards people with disabilities. So often someone with disabilities is seen as their disability, rather than as the person who they are.

I met a young woman many years ago who has disabilities. She was very insecure and lacked confidence, mostly because of the way society viewed her and how they spoke of her.

She and I spoke often and I would use PFL when speaking and referring to her, and we spoke about using PFL. Within a short time, she blossomed right before my eyes! It was amazing to see the confidence that built up in her as a result of referring to her with PFL.

Years ago it was often thought that if a person has disabilities, then they couldn't contribute to society. Terminology that was used to refer to them was often degrading. Parents had only one option available to them, and that was to institutionalize their child. These children were shut out from their communities and from the world.

Since around the 1970's, parents have wanted, and have demanded other choices, such as home and community based services for their child with disabilities. More and more states are providing these services. Children and adults with disabilities who receive community home based services are flourishing as a result of it. People with disabilities are graduating from high school and college, living on their own or with supports, going out, getting married, working and doing what most people in society do.

Isolating people, with or without disabilities, and using derogatory language (either intentional or non intentional) does great harm. One only needs to look at violence in our schools to see the impact that degrading remarks towards someone can make.

More information on using PFL can be found at http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/peoplefirstlanguage.htm

Below is a partial list of positive phrases that should be used as opposed to negative ones:

One should say: Person with a disbility

One should not say: Disabled person; handicapped; not normal

One should say: Child with cerebral palsy

One should not say: Cerebral palsy victim; Cerebral palsied child

One should say: Has physical disabilities

One should not say: Lame; crippled; victim

One should say: Non verbal; unable to speak

One should not say: Dumb; mute

One should say: Person using a wheelchair

One should not say: Wheelchair bound

One should say: Child with Autism

One should not say: Autistic child

One should say: Child with learning disabilities

One should not say: Learning disabled child

One should say: Power wheelchair

One should not say: Electric chair

One should say: Person with a seizure disorder

One should not say: Epileptic

One should say: Child with mental retardation; child with mental disabilities; child with cognitive disabilities

One should not say: Retarded; retard; defective

One should say: Person with Down Syndrome

One should not say: Down Syndrome child; Mongoloid

About the author: Karen is a website developer and CEO of Kalidust® Designs, Inc. located in Opelousas, Louisiana. She specializes in small business website development. She also advocates on behalf of children and adults with disabilities and specializes in websites for disability organizations.

Telephone: [phone] Toll Free: 1- 800-766-7736 Email: ccalix@fhfgno

Answer 2

Do you really have to ask? First of all, "retard" is an offensive term unless used in a clinical diagnosis. If you are speaking of a person who has a developmental disability, it is always preferable to put the person first and the condition secondary, for example, a person with Down syndrome (not a Down syndrome person).

Further, not all people who have developmental delays have Down syndrome. Down syndrome is a very specific genetic condition caused by a triplication of the 21st chromosome.

The very nature of your question seems suspect to me...I think most people know that "retard" is a socially unacceptable term. So it begs the question...why do you feel the need to label people?

Answer 3

Calling someone a Retard, is a very cruel thing to do. You can say, that they are either mentally challenged, or that they have Down Syndrome. Actually, they are alot smarter, than many people may think.

Answer 4

Just say mentally disabled or handicapped. You can't use the word retard because it's almost as bad as the N word. And you can't use Down's Syndrome because that's only a form of Mental Disability.

Hope I helped :)

Answer 5

The best and correct answer to me would be Downs Syndrome. When you say retard, it sounds like a stereotypically, rude taunt or criticism.

Answer 6

I believe the correct thing to say is mentally handicapped.
Downs syndrome doesn't apply to everyone. And retard has been used to mean so many bad things.

Answer 7

It's better to say down syndrome. Saying retard is so insensitive and hurtful to many people with disabilities. God made each and everyone of us special, always remember this.

Answer 8

Mentally Challenged.

Answer 9

It is better to say......hmmmmmm....maaaybeee..... the NAME of the person whom you are referring to!
the word "retard" is offensive and lets also get another thing straight...it is down syndrome....not "downs syndrome" tsk tsk tsk...shame on you! at the very least you could get the correct name of the syndrome. why is it so important to put labels on people? does it make you feel better about yourself? I am just curious as to why so many people need to label each other, aren't we all human?

Answer 10

Downs syndrome, never retard. Sorry, have I missed something? What the hells an ad for Jamesons whiskey and a cat on L.S.D got to do with your question?