My GrandPappa just refers to them all as "retarded"....that's how I got used to the term. I got crap from a YA user for using this term. But isn't it true....I mean most autistic people "just ain't right" Many don't speak and when they do it's inaudible or gibberish. Isn't retarded a good catch all phrase?

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Autistic people are generally very bright, they only seem socially awkward. They associate more with objects, patterns, and numbers more than they do with people. An autistic person may try to communicate to you through an object, rather than through speech.They're just wired differently.

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Yes, autistic people can be classified as "retarded" but it isn't politically correct. Just like you shouldn't call ppl white, black, brown, beaner, spicks, gooks and other terms that could be degrading. So i believe it would be better for society if ppl said "handicapped" or "disabled" instead of "retarded". And another thing about the "not speaking" thing is that deaf people usually cannot talk well but they are retarded, just different. Hope that helps!

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I don't think that the word retard specifies the true meaning of Autism. These individuals who have Autism are special needs individuals that are very intelligent in a given subject area, they are not sociable nor do they relate with the world as we do. You may want to look at a web-site that e=will assist you for a total understanding of what is Autism and how to relate with this kind of a population. When surfing this site go to Autism, blog and parents to see the info provided.

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The term 'retarded' is a vile term used to describe people who have cognitive disabilities. Mental retardation is still used as a medical diagnosis of a type of disability, NOT as a catch-all phrase to describe people. Even though mental retardation is still used as a medical diagnosis, the term is not politically correct.Autism is a disorder in which people have difficulty with socialization. Most people with autism do not have cognitive disabilites and some have genious I.Q.'s.Just because a person doesn't speak does not mean that they are not capable of understanding and learning. Some people with Cerebal Palsy cannot speak clearly due to the musculature of their faces and mouths, but are extremely intelligent individuals. I doubt that you would call Stephen Hawking, who cannot speak due to ALS, by that foul name.I suggest you do research on this subject and try very hard to 'unlearn' what your grandfather has taught you.

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