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A crocheted wollyback, reminiscent of the popular labubu toy, is winning the hearts of people in Bahrain as it aims to raise awareness about autism and support individuals on the spectrum.
Arroy the Lamb, dubbed as the ‘Bahraini Labubu’, is a fun twist on the viral international trend, and is the initiative of Alia Early Intervention and Rehabilitation Centre, which has designed it as an extension of a story series to help young minds navigate difficult situations.
The toy was brought alive through a collaboration with Bahraini women specialising in local handmade products, and continues to be handcrafted by bright young individuals at the Alia centre.
It is based on Arroy, a lovable character steeped in Bahraini culture and widely featured in children’s stories.
“Grandparents tell these tales when children in the family do not listen,” the centre’s public relations head Khalid Al Awadhi explained, adding that their new story, entitled Arroy the Lamb, hopes to help children, including young adults at the centre, with the anxiety associated with hospital visits.
“It is a story for all kids and the first in a planned series of social stories designed to help children understand everyday situations in a calm, reassuring way,” Khalid added.
“It was developed through collaboration between our students, teachers and therapists, so it really reflects what our children need to see and hear. The aim is to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and make these experiences feel familiar and safe.”
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition marked by disruptions in brain signalling that cause people to behave, communicate, interact and learn in atypical ways.
Currently, Alia centre works with 160 individuals on the spectrum, aged from six to 45 years.
The toy, Arroy the Lamb, and the story book are available at Halla by Alia café in A’ali, the kingdom’s first café run by young adults with autism. Proceeds from the sales of the toy will be used towards the centre and for the individuals it works with.
“Arroy is more than a handmade toy; it’s a symbol of connection,” the centre’s director Dr Shaikha Rania Al Khalifa told GulfWeekly.
“Watching our students and team bring Arroy to life reminds me daily that small things, made with care, can make a big difference,” she added.
Each Arroy is handmade by the centre’s boys and girls, giving it a one-of-a-kind charm.
“Every purchase helps students develop creative and work skills while raising public awareness about autism. It’s a small symbol of Bahraini creativity, inclusion, and community spirit,” said an employee at the centre, who works directly with the young adults.
“Crocheting Arroy with the children has been such a grounding experience. You see them relax, follow patterns, and express themselves. It helps them handle big feelings in a gentle, tangible way,” the employee added.
While there are no treatments or cures for autism, intervention with supportive measures, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills training, sensory integration therapy, visual aids, structured routines, individualised education plans, family therapy and providing a calm and predictable environment, remains critical for improving cognitive, social and communication skills in children with ASD.
The Arroy toy is priced at BD16.
