Mattel Inc. is set to launch its first-ever Barbie doll designed to represent children with autism, aiming to provide better representation for diverse groups. Developed in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), the doll features unique characteristics chosen by advocates over an 18-month period. Notable features include eyes that shift to the side to reflect tendencies to avoid direct eye contact, as well as mobile elbows and wrists to acknowledge sensory processing behaviors like stimming.
The clothing choice for the doll was carefully considered, opting for loose-fitting attire to accommodate sensitivities to fabric textures commonly experienced by autistic individuals. The doll also comes with a fidget spinner and a tablet to represent various ways of communication and engagement for non-speaking autistic individuals. Additionally, the Barbie doll is specifically designed to represent both autistic women and people of color, groups that are often underrepresented or misidentified within the autism spectrum.
Deepa Singal from the Autism Alliance of Canada emphasized the importance of representation in helping address the under-diagnosis of girls with autism. The introduction of the autistic Barbie aligns with a broader trend in children’s entertainment towards inclusivity and diversity, following initiatives like the inclusion of an autistic character on Sesame Street in 2015.
Part of Mattel’s Fashionistas line, the new Barbie joins a range of dolls that represent individuals with various disabilities and differences, including type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome, and blindness. Mattel’s global head of dolls, Jamie Cygielman, highlighted the brand’s commitment to reflecting the diversity of the world through their doll collections. The development of the autistic Barbie was inspired by the positive impact of previous inclusive dolls, fostering empathy and understanding among children towards individuals with different abilities.