From Wednesday, February 3, 2010 – Autism Unexpected by Jean Winegardner:
“It might actually be a good thing that this happened so publicly. Maybe it will bring the hurtfulness of this word into the open, because that message is not out there yet. I hear people use this word all the time. I’ve heard very smart, caring people who know I have an autistic son use it. I’ve heard doctors use it. On one memorable occasion, I even heard someone who runs a group home for individuals with disabilities use it.”
“Every time, it makes me cringe.”
“I have seen several articles about the Emanuel incident in which his slur is reproduced in print as, “f**king retarded.” I know which one of those words bothers me, and it isn’t the one with the asterisks in it.”