In an effort to ensure better representation for children, toy manufacturer Mattel Inc. is set to launch its inaugural autistic Barbie doll. Developed in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), the doll aims to empower autistic children by reflecting their experiences and sending a positive message to non-autistic individuals.
According to Noor Pervez, the community engagement manager at ASAN, the goal is to provide early reinforcement for people to understand that autistic individuals are integral members of society. The doll’s distinctive features were carefully selected over an 18-month period with input from advocates. For instance, the doll’s eyes are designed to subtly shift to the side to mirror the tendency of some autistic individuals to avoid direct eye contact.
In addition, the Barbie doll features articulated elbows and wrists to acknowledge behaviors like stimming and hand flapping that are used by some autistic people to process sensory input or express excitement. It also includes a fidget spinner for sensory purposes. The team also deliberated on the doll’s attire, opting for loose-fitting clothing to cater to sensory sensitivities, along with flat shoes to address spatial awareness challenges experienced by some autistic individuals.
Furthermore, the doll is equipped with a tablet to represent non-speaking autistic individuals. To address the underrepresentation of autistic women and people of color, the Barbie doll is designed to embody both identities.
Deepa Singal, the scientific director of the Autism Alliance of Canada, highlighted the issue of underdiagnosis among girls and emphasized the importance of broader representation in correcting this trend. She noted that such initiatives play a crucial role in reshaping societal perceptions of autism.
The introduction of an autistic Barbie doll is part of a larger trend in children’s entertainment towards inclusive representation. Mattel’s Fashionistas line, which includes dolls representing individuals with various disabilities and conditions, aims to reflect the diverse world that children see around them.
In a statement, Jamie Cygielman, Mattel’s global head of dolls, emphasized the company’s commitment to inclusivity and celebrating diversity through their doll collections. The decision to create an autistic Barbie was inspired by the desire to foster empathy and understanding among children, reinforcing the message that autistic individuals are an integral part of society.
