What do you think of this 'Down's Syndrome doll'?

[Charlotte ~08]

This is a Down’s syndrome doll which has been designed with the characteristics of children born with the condition.

It’s one of an increasingly popular — but hugely controversial.


The doll looks like they took the physical traits and presented them in an exaggerated way to make them more noticeable. That doll does not look attractive to me at all.

 

[PooohBear]

I don't think it looks like a downs syndrome child at all, it's pretty offensive to me

But the more important question is how the children like it ?

 

[KyraS]

I agree that it depends on how the child likes it.

I love collectible dolls and there are some very realistic Downs babies out there that are the pride and joy of the children they go to. Here is one example,

 

[diznygirl]

They could have put a cute little smile on it. I think they missed the mark.

 

[Dr.Snark]

apologies offered.

misread previous post

 

[ChrizJen]

As others have said, they could have done a little bit better with the mouth. While that might be a common expression for a child with Down syndrome, a smile would have been more appropriate I think.

I like the concept though. It's a lot like having dolls with different skin tones. Playing with dolls is one of the ways that children learn their relationship with the world around them. It's difficult to relate to a doll who looks nothing like you.

 

[froglady]

Just for the record, it is

Down syndrome not Down's or Downs Syndrome.

Capital D
No apostrophe
Down is not plural
small s on syndrome

It is Down's syndrome (named after a doctor ) in the UK, Down (still named after the same doctor) syndrome in the USA. The story originated in the UK.

Just as cervicle is prononced cer vi' (long i) cle.

 

[Charlotte ~08]

Down's syndrome is British English.
http://www.dsa-uk.com/

Just for the record, it is

Down syndrome not Down's or Downs Syndrome.

Capital D
No apostrophe
Down is not plural
small s on syndrome

 

[Sirius]

I think it's a little offensive. I mean the children I know with Down Syndrome smile. The look on this doll's face is a stereotype. Also, why is it dressed like a clown with bad hair.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

I agree that it depends on how the child likes it.

I love collectible dolls and there are some very realistic Downs babies out there that are the pride and joy of the children they go to. Here is one example,

Cute!!

Also, why is it dressed like a clown with bad hair.

Really! Makes it even more offensive.

 

[Blessed99]

If I had a child with Downs Syndrome (not sure if correctly spelled) or if someone in the family had it, I may be more apt to purchase it to help a younger child relate to it, but they could have at least made it a smiling doll.
I work in a doctors office that sees many DS patients and the majority of them are smiling and happy.

 

[akhenaten]

The idea is great but the execution...not so good....IMO

 

[suzimar57]

is this for real???

 

[Michelle67]

I agree with a couple of the previous posters: great idea, poor execution. The one KyraS posted is wonderful.

 

[KirstenB]

I think it's a little offensive. I mean the children I know with Down Syndrome smile. The look on this doll's face is a stereotype. Also, why is it dressed like a clown with bad hair.

You summed up my feelings exactly!! Good concept, bad execution.

 

[Dr.Snark]

My apologies. I did misread the post.

 

[pleefy]

If I had a kid with Down's, I might buy it. I might even get it for a kid who didn't, just to have a variety.

 

[TrixieBel]

As the mother of a 15yr old daughter with Down Syndrome....

I don't like it!

It's been a long time since people with DS have wandered around with their tongues hanging out. My daughter does not stick her tongue out at all, and neither do her friends with DS. In fact, my DH sticks his tongue out when concentrating - he probably sticks his tongue out more than Rachael does

I LOVE that second doll - very cute and much more realistic.

 

[hentob]

Edited to add:
Just checked the properties of the OP's pic and this seems to be a UK doll.

And that is why she put "Down's"

Just for the record, it is

Down syndrome not Down's or Downs Syndrome.

Just for the record, we are not all from America on this board

It is Down's syndrome in British English.

 

[Snowy-girls]

It is Down's syndrome (named after a doctor ) in the UK, Down (still named after the same doctor) syndrome in the USA. The story originated in the UK.

Correct.x.

Down's syndrome is British English.

Correct.x.

And that is why she put "Down's"
Just for the record, we are not all from America on this board
It is Down's syndrome in British English.

Correct.x.
Dr.Snark-all these people are correct on the UK saying of Down's syndrome.
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As for the doll-i too don't like it-the clothes,the hair in bad taste if you ask me.Love the picture of the op doll-too cute.x.