del.icio.us vox links
July 30, 2007 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
Some somewhat summery links I found and saved via del.icio.us:
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Do you get sudden urges to make music? Maybe you have musicophilia…….
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“Developmentally delayed” vs. MR: The over-use of euphemisms, by a pediatrician
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Table of Condiments that Periodically Go Bad: watch what you leave out in the summer heat! (Relish has become Charlie’s latest favorite.)
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Hyperationalific: something of a description of Charlie on these hazy hot & humid summer days (me, I just feel sluggish)
Regarding “Developmentally Delayed” versus MR:
While I agree with the article’s general premise that that is euphemistic when applied to a 12-year old child with mental retardation, the label “developmentally delayed” actually has a valid use. In particular, when delays in development are noted in toddlers and preschoolers, it would be extremely premature to give the child a “mentally retarded” label, which is dependent on IQ score, which can’t be measured accurately at that age.
The author “clarifies” that in the comments section, too little too late to save the article. He actually makes a lot of mistakes about the changing of terms to describe disabilities as well. Not to even mention that this particular 12-year old may be more delayed for the fact that no one addressed her initial “problem” in the first place. They just expected her to catch up, what, on her own? They knew she was delayed and yet still called her lazy?
No one explained to the parents, just how she was delayed? A very bizarre tale to use as an example.
I was informed years ago (like 20 years ago) that “handicap” came from the stereotype of begging for money, that’s why it was exchanged for “disability”. I would say it’s a valid reason, not just a gentler euphemism.
I would agree with the problems he states with Political Correctness in general. I just think his examples are incorrect. PC words are euphemisms that mask, not cure bigotry.
Developmental Delay is a useful term for very young children, a pre-academic condition that just notes where the child is “behind”. My son has developmental delays and is not retarded, my husband had delays and is very successful and social. There are also adults out there that are developmental delayed socially but not academically. And adults that are cognitively-impaired due to accident/illness post-childhood (not a developmental disability).
My rambling point is that these terms all mean something specific.
Yes, and I think it’s good that we struggle with out language to convey these differences that are more than nuances. I’ve always liked the “developmental” in “developmental delay” as that word so much implies growth and change—development, indeed.