Unfortunately, MR is the term that is used throughout the education system (legally). It was actually changed back to that a few years ago from mentally disabled. Talk about going back a few decades. I wish you luck with the change. I don't know of any good suggestions for this change. It is such a sensitive area. But, I agree, MR is just not a great term to use. It has way to many negative connotations behind it.

I believe in NYS they use the term developmentally delayed instead of MR with new classifications. I won't swear by this though. The harder we work to get rid of the term the sooner it will happen. Did you know that idiot, imbecile, and moron were originally medical terms for labeling people with low I.Q.'s? I guess we have made some progress. Hugs and more hugs, Donna

I agree, it is outdated. But unfortunately it is the term that many people and schools still use. I will e-mail Doug and support your wish though!

I am a teacher in Montana and I know that Developmentally Delayed is the term used for children without a set medical diagnosis. My daughter has "Angelman Syndrome" and in her IEP at the school she is labeled "Severely Mentally Retarded" which I personally can not stand. I do not like labels at all and feel that we should just allow everyone to be who they are. At the same time I do understand the need for some "name" or "identification" for situations, disabilities, this support group, etc. Everyone has abilities and disabilities and to say "challenged" is representational of everyone in the world. Also to say a child has "special needs" seems unrealistic because all children have individual needs that need to be met and to label some "special" leaves out those who are just as special with different needs. I dont have a suggestion because even the term disabled is frustrating because it is focusing on the negative and not on the positive of what the children can do. I dont really have a suggestion but wish that everyone that reads this thinks about the way society addresses and discusses children who were not born perfect or are not the "norm". Good luck to DS in finding a new name that is non judgemental, non discriminatory, and especially non labeling.

Hi All,

I am an advisor here at DS and certainly welcome to a new name for this community. Please share your ideas so we may all respond.

Dr. Jeremy

I think it should just stay the same because you will start confussing people, when i got told i had mild 'learning difficulties' i was confussed because i knew the right term was MR.

Retarded is a medical termone that has a form of shame or dishonor to it. I am sorry that you feel that your difficulties make you retarded but everyone has difficulties in lifeI am fat, my daughter has Angelman Syndrome, my oldest child is bored in school, everything in life is a change and a challenge--- some more so than others. I feel that the name of this community might be hinding some people from joining our group because of the stigma associated with the word "retarded". Its a tough decision to make--the name change (if there is to be one) but I personally hate the word retarded and try to teach everyone I know how degrading that term is to anyone having any physical or mental challenge--and their family. My oldest daughter has been teased because her sister is technically retarded--I have been told that I must have done drugs when I was pregnant to get a retarded child-- all of this comes from ignorance-- so I try to help educate those lacking knowledge and compassion. I still dont have the right name for this community but I can honestly say that the name turned me off when I read it.

Hi everyone,

I wanted to let you know our medical advisors have been discussing a new community name, and after going over many options, and reading your replies, were thinking "Mentally Challenged" might be the best choice. How does this sound to you?

We're eager to hear any feedback you have about it--I'll start another thread as well.

Thanks for making DailyStrength a vibrant, supportive space!