YEP, in NZ the kid's use this term as well , a retard is the common expression, try not to be too offended, as I am certain, they don't even give it a thought as to what they are really saying, it is just one of those silly saying's that has caught on.

Still I can understand where you are coming from, Down's Syndrome children I believe are a blessing on their own, as a teenager I had a holiday job working for the IHC and was looking after 5 children with Down's, they were the most loving children ever, and I truely felt love for them., and it was indeed a wonderful experience I will never forget.