Mom Shares PSA on Why the R-Word Makes Her "Heart Sink"— and Everyone Better Listen Up

Alethea Mshar, mom to 15-year-old Alex, who has Down syndrome, and 12-year-old Ben, who has both autism and Down syndrome, has an important PSA all parents need to hear: using the R-word is never OK. In an emotional Facebook post, the blogger at Ben's Writing, Running Mom, explained why her boys inspired her to post the gentle reminder.

"These two people mean the world to me. They're my babies. They are worthy and treasured. They are multi-faceted human beings who contribute much to their home, family, school, and community," she wrote. "Though I don't ever remember being inclined to use the term, they are the reason the slang use of 'retard' makes my heart sink."

She told POPSUGAR that there needs to be a bigger conversation about just how hurtful using the word can be. "I don't think that many people realize that the R-word is divisive. It's easy to ignore the use of the word and assume it's harmless when you don't know people who are negatively impacted by a derogatory use of the word," she explained. "A united stand against using the slur is necessary to ensure the dignity of people with cognitive impairment."

Although Alethea thinks that the people who use the term in their day-to-day aren't necessarily trying to insult kids like Alex and Ben, she knows there are a number of other terms they could use to communicate how they feel. "I know that hurt isn't what people intend when they say it. But if there isn't malicious intent, wouldn't there be dozens of other words you could use?"

The busy mom also explained how using the slur seriously impedes the ability for people with special needs to feel normal, and that needs to change ASAP.

"Alex is old enough now to understand and be sensitive about having Down syndrome. He wants to be just like everyone else — don't most teenagers? — and he is. Throwing around the term 'retard' in casual conversation only serves to reinforce that a person with a developmental disability is different or less, whether that's your intention or not."

When push comes to shove, Alethea just wants everyone to know that her boys are just like everybody else — and totally doing away with the R-word is a big step in the right direction toward inclusion.

"A few years back there was a campaign about how people with Down syndrome are more alike than different — and it's true. My boys loved Black Panther, they rock out to Imagine Dragons, and spend too much time playing video games [just like other teenagers]."