Both terms were used by the professionals during the presentations, and no clear description of the two terms was ever given. Researchers are looking closely at genetic causes. Geneticists consider this information to be an important indicator of where on the DNA structure to look. The format of the conference allowed for a great deal of interaction between the parents and medical professionals as well as between each other. This would change the meaning of the R to renal problems and the D would mean development.
Retardation is one of the hardest issues for parents to deal with.
After seeing their children through many life-threatening conditions, some times years in the hospital, retardation or the possibility of it brings the strongest parents to their knees. The lack of understanding about retardation and the social stigma attached to it sets up seemingly insurmountable barriers to children and their parents. It may be helpful for parents to remember that retarded does not mean stupid. It means the child learns at a slower rate than their peers, and childrens' achievements are often consistent with what is expected of them. Feeding problems was another area of discussion that elicited comment by almost every parent at the conference.