Dolls With Down Syndrome May Help Kids

June 27, 2008— -- When Desi McKenzie's oldest daughter was 3 years old, she bought her a "My Twinn" doll designed to look just like her.

But with her second child, Aubrey, McKenzie could only wish for a doll that had features matching her infant's. Aubrey has Down syndrome.

McKenzie, who lives in Mililani, Hawaii, never found such a doll while Aubrey was a toddler. Though Aubrey is now 10, McKenzie was overjoyed to recently learn that a few doll makers in the United States and Europe are fulfilling her dream.

"I think it's amazing," she says. "It's so exciting."

Aubrey is hearing impaired, so McKenzie says she plans to tell her about the dolls using sign language.

"I will sign to her, 'Guess what? There's going to be a new doll that's the same as you,'" she says.

Donna Moore is CEO of the U.S. company Downi Creations, which manufactures such dolls. Moore, who worked with special education students before a rare eye disease forced her to stop working outside the home, says her search for ways to provide services for the Down syndrome population led her to design the toys.

"I just realized that there was a huge need for these dolls because in our society today, so many people put a high emphasis on perfection," Moore says. "When these children pick up a doll such as a Barbie … they can't see themselves, and they needed something to identify with."

The Down syndrome dolls — which feature physical characteristics including almond-shaped eyes, a small mouth, a slightly protruding tongue and low-set ears — reflect many of the same developmental features brought about by the genetic condition.

So far, the dolls are a hit with many parents of children who have the disorder; since 1996, the company has sold about 2,500. McKenzie says she plans to e-mail Down syndrome groups to tell more parents about the dolls.

"This is just going to mean the world for the entire Down syndrome population — parents and children," she says. "It's a validation in a way."