I have wanted to write about this topic on many different occasions but didn't know how I wanted to present it.  I didn't want to seem like the oversensitive special needs mom.  I often wondered if it really wasn't a big deal and I should just get over it but the bottom line is I can't.  If you're reading this, I'm assuming we are friends or that Tyler has snuck a place in your heart as he has done with many.  That is why I am asking you to join the movement to end the R-word.  I won't deny that I'm absolutely sure this word passed my lips many many times prior to Tyler and I didn't give it a second thought. However, now it has meaning.  My stomach sinks and my heart beats a little quicker everytime I hear someone use this to describe themselves when they spill a drink or do something less than stellar.  I can show you a stack of medical papers that use this word to describe my son. When you  call someone a "retard" or "retarded", you are implying that they are slow or did something stupid.  You are using it in a negative and degrading fashion.  I promise you 100% that there is nothing negative about this guy or his abilities.  He loves unconditionally and faces challenges you or I will never understand. 

 

 

 

 

I felt that if I never said anything, I wasn't speaking up for Tyler and I wasn't speaking up for my feelings.  I'll end this post with a request that you join the movement to end the R-word and sign the pledge.  Share this post and share the website.  Be a voice and spark a change.  Love to you all.



-Autumn

Sign the pledge here: http://www.r-word.org/Default.aspx
Watch this for a laugh:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-DH9hydzMI