Are autistic people retarded?

NO NO NO

my son has autism and is not mentally retarded. Hearing a remark like that leads me to believe that neither you or your grandfather have educated yoursleves on the subject.

I would read up on all the Pervasive Developmental Disorders:

Autistic Disorder

Asperger’s Disorder

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)

Rett’s Disorder

PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

Many, many people lead normal lives. Check the 1st link below for a list of famous people who have some type of PDD (you might surprise yourself with who’s listed) and the 2nd link to learn about PDD. I think you’ll both be surprised by what you learn.

I can tell you as an autistic myself that no autistic people are not inherently mentally handicapped. Being nonverbal does not equil being “retarded” I am my self quite frequently nonverbal and I am also applying for membership with Mensa (required IQ 130 or higher my IQ is 133) so don’t be so closed minded

Actually, you need to do a little research. Autism can effect a person in a number of ways. It isn’t true that most can’t talk. I have 6-7 students that come through my classroom every week and that can and do speak very clearly. There are also people called autistic savants. They are disabled, but may be an amazing musician. One of my student’s can read on a college level, but is only in 2nd grade. You really need to research before you start throwing your expertise around. Here are some things you need to read. Don’t be ignorant by choice please.

Autism is a wide spectrum. People on the spectrum can be anywhere from mentally retarded to very high functioning. There is a form of autism called Asperger’s Syndrome and people with that are usually very intelligent and have great talent in a specific area.

Lol I honestly can’t tell you what a mentally retarded turtle looks like. I can’t say that I’ve ever seen a retarded or autistic turtle. lol Also, I am not entirely sure how intelligent turtles are supposed to be. Thanks for the good laugh though. Take it to the vet.

“most autistic people ‘just ain’t right'”

And you Joe Everyman inbreds, who drink to excess, have a funny idea of patriotism, and start fights with people who don’t look like you, ARE?

Tell us another one, O’ unintentional comedian! You can’t call a autistic kid a “retard” without sounding like a moron, yourself. How about we all just stop judging each other and learn to appreciate the gift each person brings?

No, retarded is one of those words that would be better off retired. It doesn’t really explain anything, and it’s hurtful.

Autistic people are often very bright. They do have problems communicating with others. They may not make eye contact or respond when spoken to. But many are quite accomplished in their fields.

While some may test at the retarded level many are brilliant. One of the signs of Aspergers Syndrome is premature academic achievement -like reading at 18 months. Just because they cannot speak doesn’t mean they cannot learn. Grouping all people with low scores on standardized tests together as retarded fails to take into account different ways of learning and communicating. There is a serious problem in this country with people using “retarded” as an insult. It shows a tremendous lack of respect for individual differences.

First of all, the word “retarded” is very obscene and offensive. Second, many autistic people have abilities that far exceed that of any other “normal” person. Many now believe that Atomic Physicist Albert Einstein was autistic. Does that make Albert Einstein a “retard” all because his disability? Your GrandPappa needs to invest in a dictionary a learn what the word “retarded” means. He does not have a clue what the word means because if your GrandPappa did, he would not be calling people “retarded”. Your GrandPappa’s use of the word “retarded” just proves his lack a vocabulary skills to everyone that is listening to him.

Would you call someone who couldn’t talk because of a physical disability retarded?? Most autistic children have very high IQ;s Their inability to communicate has nothing to do with how intelligent they are it has to do with the way that they process information and give it back. Learning disabilities have nothing to do with IQ unless the disability is developmental delays. You need to form your own opinions about people and not rely on everything that you hear even from family.