This interview with @Sia is quite something...
@maddieziegler didn't want to play the role because she was worried about offending someone (2:30 time stamp), but she was reassured that wouldn't happen because Sia felt "compelled to save her".

https://twitter.com/natchan1/status/1330018545132916736?s=21

‘We’re trying to show love for all of the caregivers and all of the people on the autism spectrum. This movie is for them.’

If that’s the case, why weren’t autistic people consulted throughout the making of the film?

‘As soon as anyone brought a bad vibe I was like you’re fired’.

So if anyone had any concerns about the portrayal of autism, they probably didn’t feel safe expressing it for fear of losing their job.

‘I actually just keep adding projects for her so I can keep her safe’ (referring to @maddieziegler).

Sounds like Sia wanted Maddie casted as the lead from the beginning to me.

Another thread discussing this interview... https://twitter.com/jjclaptonwrites/status/1329933395569340418

‘They’re called special abilities now not special needs.’

I...I’ve never heard this before this movie. Who says they’re called special abilities now? I bet it’s not the community you’re actually referring to.

‘I describe this movie as Rainman the musical but with girls.’

ANY AUTISTIC PERSON WOULD TELL YOU HOW BAD THE REPRESENTATION OF AUTISM IS IN RAINMAN.

https://twitter.com/sara_rose_g/status/1330077354698412035