I am VERY UPSET!!! I took my 2 year old Sara for a day care interview, and the care worker said that she is retarded, because she can't name the parts of her body. There is absolutely nothing wrong with her otherwise. My husband and I have loved her too death. We try and teach her things all the time. She can dress herself, can say at least 30 different words, and lots more. How can she be retarded??? What can we do???  Trina W.

What a jerk! Not only does that sound like the wrong diagnosis, but a very cruel and inhumane way to talk to another human being.

Not being able to name body parts is in NO WAY a diagnosis of being "retarded". Children do a lot of different things at different ages. Some talk sooner than others, some walk sooner than others, and still some kids talk and walk later than other children, but still develop normally.

The chart below is a "guide" to what a lot of children do by certain ages, and may be helpful to you to see that your little girl is doing things which a 2 year old should be. Your doc should be able to reassure you, also.

You may want to find yourself another daycare. One that focuses on positive interactions, not negative ones.

By the way, Albert Einstein didn't start talking until he was 5 years old. Look how he turned out.

I hope I have helped you. Dr. Mike

This article was reviewed 04/23/2010 07:24 AM

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