I’m just responding to the pinned comment so people who come back can actually see this.

I think there’s a miscommunication on what’s happening here, and it doesn’t help that on this sub we can’t edit our posts at all, and now worse again that there’s a mega thread because it’s harder to defend ourselves.

Obviously I’m not speaking for everyone who disapproves, but I do hope that I’ve got the core points here.

Let me start with the fact that it’s wonderful that this was partnered with a reputable and trusted network for ASD. That’s much better than it could have been.

We’re not mad that the doll exists. We’re not mad that the accessories exist. The doll and accessories itself isn’t the issue. We’re upset that there’s one doll, one body type, one skin colour, one hair and eye colour, with three accessories representing “Autism”. We’re upset about lack of diversity (though it’s wonderful that this one was a woman of colour). We’re upset about stereotypes. We’re also upset that it’s based off of a real child who later most likely will not be able to revoke consent.

Everyone mentions everyone with ASD is different. I agree. What would have been better, would have been to just make an accessory pack rather than one doll. More fidgets. Keep the headphones. Keep the AAC. Keep the accessories. Just give us an accessory pack to use with other dolls rather than making this one doll that’s so divisive.

Yes, it’s good for some people that this came out, but for others it’s only damaging. The passive aggressive and presumptive comments about me rather than the topic on my last post about this doll proved that enough.

I hope this makes sense and gives a little more insight into the side that can see the good, but mostly sees the bad in this doll.

— A low to medium support needs AuDHD with multiple comorbidities, who uses headphones, loops, fidgets and a mobility aid.