I’m ashamed to admit it, but I have never discussed or shared information with my daughter who has Downs about her condition. I know that in her scool they have discussed it, but I know that if I discussed it with her I would break down crying and that would not be good for her. I know that she knows what “retarded” means–presumably from school. I saw her flinch once when someone used the word on tv.  I’d be very interested in hearing from others what they did and how, or didn’t do.