If he meant "retard" as in "somebody who suffers from a mental or physical retardation" then yes I believe that is the right word, though perhaps not the most polite. Handicapped is a nicer way to put it as somebody said but lets not all be afraid of the word. Political correctness is a beast already grown too strong.

no, that's what YOU are.

Oh well, that's what she was - retarded.

I agree. Handicapped is the proper word to describe the girl.

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It was Drew Barrymore. To the last person, retard is a little harsh and not a nice word.

Well, in the book, the lead character's child was actually a boy and he was indeednot going to say the word you used, but whatever the politically correct version of it is these day. Special? I honestly don't know, I don't think the boy had Down's syndrome, I think he was just severely learning disabled.

It actually says "for exceptional children."

If you look closely, there is a sign at the school when he picks her up and suprised her with the doll. "School for specially challenged" or something like that.

that's what i wanted to know too.
was she mentally challenged??

That's what I came here to ask, was she supposed to be a retard? I don't think so, but to me she came off as a retard.

She looked like she had Down's Syndrome in that

Thank you, I would have never known that. After re-watching, I can hear Drew's voice.

The part is also played by Drew Barrymore.
"I'm trying to see things from your point of view but I can't stick my head that far up my ass."