This thread is timely for me, because my 9 year old (who has autism) just started using the word "retarded" as an insult.

I sat down with him and explained the technical definition of the word retarded. I told him that it would make someone with retardation really sad to hear that word used in a mean way. We talked about how it would feel if "autistic" was used as an insult (he is very proud of his autism). He got it, and he doesn't use the word anymore, and will explain to others why they shouldn't either.

I had to have the same talk with my 12 year old about the word "gay".

When words are used correctly, there is no power behind them.

Peace