Mattel Inc., the toy creator, is launching its first autistic Barbie doll in a move to enhance representation among children. Collaborating with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), the doll was designed to resonate with autistic children and convey a message to non-autistic individuals.
The unique features of the Barbie were selected with the help of advocates through an 18-month development process. For instance, the doll’s eyes are slightly shifted to the side to mirror how some autistic individuals may avoid direct eye contact. Additionally, the doll features mobile elbows and wrists to acknowledge behaviors like stimming and hand flapping, common among autistic individuals.
During the development phase, there was a discussion about dressing the doll in either tight or loose-fitting attire. The team opted for loose clothing to cater to sensitivities some autistic individuals have towards fabric seams, along with flat shoes to assist those who struggle with spatial awareness.
To promote inclusivity, the Barbie also comes with a tablet to represent non-speaking autistic individuals. Furthermore, the decision was made to portray the Barbie as a woman of color to address the under-identification of autistic women and people of color.
Deepa Singal, the scientific director of the Autism Alliance of Canada, highlighted the issue of under-diagnosing girls with autism and emphasized the importance of broader representation in combating this problem.
The introduction of the autistic Barbie is part of Mattel’s Fashionistas line, which features dolls representing various disabilities and diverse characteristics. Jamie Cygielman, Mattel’s global head of dolls, expressed pride in the company’s commitment to reflecting the diversity of the world through their products.
Noor Pervez, the community engagement manager at ASAN, shared how his early experiences with inclusive dolls inspired his involvement in the project. He emphasized the significance of children learning empathy and understanding through diverse toy representation, including autistic individuals.
The release of the autistic Barbie marks a positive step towards inclusivity and representation in children’s entertainment, aligning with efforts by other brands to introduce diverse characters and dolls into the market.
