Usually when writing a more personal or intimate article people automatically assume it will be an angry rant or consist of an emotional backstory. And while that is not always true, it is in this case.

Now that my disclaimer is out there, here is an article based on, not only my anger and utmost sympathy, but my personal experiences, as well.

I have a serious problem with the terms "retard" and "retarded." Sometimes, once someone notices the grotesque and disgusted expression on my face at the mere thought of those terms an apology will follow. Sometimes.

Lately, I've heard the supposition that the r-word denotes a person who is idiotic, unintelligent or mindless. And, that is where this becomes personal and I am taking a stand.

While growing up the word “normal” never really stuck to me as something people should be or aim to become. Normal isn’t natural. Sometimes people are not normal, nothing drastic or detrimental. It is called being unique something everyone should strive to become.

I'm lucky to say I know so many amazingly unique people in my life. One of whom includes my sister, Alexia, she is 17-years-old about to turn 18 in February. She may be younger than me, but to ace all of her classes and receive more awards in one year than I ever received throughout high school, I give her the utmost respect.

And I didn’t even mention how she can make me laugh, it's more like a cackle, in the best ways. She has her way of knowing how to crack me up with her sly “Vine” sayings. Springing a what are those as I leave my room, while pointing at my shoes, which I thought looked on point, but not to Lexi, I guess. She would then belt out in laughter and we would fall on the floor laughing together.

Thinking about it now buts a huge grin on my face as I write this. Although she is intelligent, wise and funnier than most people I have come across, and continues to live each and every day of her life happily, she has autism.

But what does that change about her in your mind? If anything, she should now be even more courageous in your mind. She deals with the abrupt feelings of our society on top of bettering herself. Her autism does not define her. She is Alexia the girl with many dreams ahead of her, that’s it.

Furthermore, why should autistic persons be categorized into a negative stereotype? And, why has this stereotype formed into an ignorant fabrication?

The accurate meaning behind this insensitive term is to be at a slower rate or to be be delayed. So tell me, do these unique people who work as hard as you and me deserve to be tormented by a word that has countless illiterate meanings?

I understand, “sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt me.” But, don't you think getting mentally thrown down by a stereotype that categories people as stupid almost on a daily basis, would sting just a little more?

Let me be clear - I am not criticizing anyone.

Spreading awareness is the next step in this hard journey for many families who feel the same as I do. And what accompanies awareness and the truth? Facts.

And the facts are that one in 68 children are diagnosed with a form of autism. Autism costs a family about $60,000 . This disease is becoming “the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States,” Mike Stobbe reports on NBC news.

The intention of this is not to bash anyone's past choices or to talk about this sore subject in a negative way. This article was created to bring awareness.

This for the families who see their children crying after getting called names, it's for the people who don't understand how much this stereotype can hurt, and for the beautifully unique people out there.

There is only one thing that defines who you are, and that is YOU.