# @raisingculturesfamily on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CIQC9V5BVpB
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/38144384-raisingculturesfamily-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/a42c274adc.jpg
- **Posted:** 2020-12-01T09:50:19.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Keia Jones Baldwin (@raisingculturesfamily) — https://gondola.cc/raisingculturesfamily

## Caption

Christmas Wish:
Family, you all are familiar with my sister Toya aka Bird, if not; she's my favorite babysitter, the dancing queen, loves art and music, and has the kindest heart! She was diagnosed as a young child with autism and what used to be called "mentally retarded." That has now been switched to Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD). The word "retarded" was used so much to bully individuals on the spectrum by making them feel "slow" "less than" or "worthless." The fact of the matter is, "labels" are not "limitations"...while she's  36 years old, her level of functioning is around that of an 7/8 year old. Despite that label, she's super independent, sassy, classy, and has goals, dreams, and aspirations just like anyone else.
A few days ago, Bird called me to her room and wanted to talk. She was a bit teary-eyed and she asked me why do people say she's "retarded" and then stated, "I'm not slow, I can do stuff." I asked her who called her that because my family is super protective when it comes to her! She said, "mean kids called me slow in school." She was having a flashback and a few nights where it had been bothering her. This is why we have to teach our children that being different is OKAY and should be respected and appreciated! We processed her emotions then I encouraged her and reminded her that she can do all things through Christ that strengthens her! Her face lit up! I asked her what she wanted and she said for people to never say "retarded" to her or anyone she relates to. I told her that I would beat anyone up if they called her that, she laughed and gave me a hug. Then she asked me to dance with her, I happily obliged!
I can see how my sister despises that word, its hurtful to her and others. Our Christmas wish is for you all to help us spread the word that there's no such thing as "retarded" anymore and if you don't know by now, it's not a nice word. It's not a nice word to a community who has been proving to the world that they can do ANYTHING! They are smart, brave, courageous, and talented!! #takethelimitsoff #disability #idd #intellectualdevelopmentaldisabilities #autismawareness #autism #autismspeaks #christmaswish #christmas #sis

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,062
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## Tags

autism, takethelimitsoff, sis, autismawareness, disability, christmaswish, christmas, idd, autismspeaks, intellectualdevelopmentaldisabilities

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