I hate to be insensitive, but what is the difference between autistic, retarded, "special", and Mongoloid

Question

I hate to be insensitive, but what is the difference between autistic, retarded, "special", and Mongoloid

Answer 1

Hi,  I don't feel you are being insensitive, nothing is wrong in wanting to know and understand various terms that related to students/individuals with special needs/disabilities.  Retarded is an old term used for individual with low cognitive abilities. Autism is a very new or now more prevalent disability that covers a vast and wide range of varying  degrees of attributes/characteristics  for each individual.  Special is not a educational term used in the Special Education field, I would be more to say it's a slang word along the layman.

Answer 2

As others have clearly explained these labels, I would just like to add that there are other things to be careful about when talking about a person with disabilities.  

You should refer to them as a person with a condition, not as a condition.  (a boy with autism, not an autistic boy).

You should understand that while a label such as Down Syndrome or autism can give you an idea of some typical developmental delays, mannerisms, etc. that are common to the disorder, EVERY child or adult is different.  I have taught special ed. for years and I have never found two children that were identical in their needs, personalities, etc.

Answer 3

Autism, and Mongoloid are specific diseases.

"retarted', and "special" are generalizations to being below the average intelligence quota

Answer 4

"mongoloid" is no longer used.  Now it's called "Downs Syndrome" and it's a very clear condition - one extra chromosome.

Special is a catch all.

Retarded is no longer used.  Now it's "Developmentally Disabled" - someone who's mind is like someone who's younger - often much younger.  My niece, who's 30, functions about like an 8 year old.  

Autistic is a broad category, with fuzzy definitions.  It's a problem with communication skills, how they percieve the world.  It ranges from people who can't read other's moods or body language, to people who sit in a corner and rock all day.

Answer 5

Mongoloid is a politically incorrect term to describe a person with Down syndrome (it's NOT Downs Syndrome).

Persons with autism are those who belong under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) - a disorder that is characterized by among others limited or disordered skills in communication and social skills.

Answer 6

"Mongoloid"  is called Downs Syndrome.  It is caused by too many chromosomes.  Most Downs people have at least mild retardation.....  but many can live a full life, work at simple jobs...  contribute to society.  They have specific features, slanted eyes, their tongues are usually too large for their mouths, and their hands are look different.  In general they think of everyone in a positive light.  

"Special" is anyone who has a handicap.

Retarded is an antiquated term that means anyone whose mental level is at a below peer level.... for instance real age 24, mental age 8.  There are many different illnesses and conditions that can cause retardation.

Autistic is someone who disassociated their minds from the "real" world.  There are many different forms of Autism.   Most do not like to be touched.  They will spend hours in repetitive behavior.