Mattel unveils its 1st autistic Barbie doll
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The new autistic Barbie joins an existing line of diverse dolls, including those with Down syndrome, diabetes and more. See more dolls.
Admittedly, the spectrum is wide, and those with extreme forms of autism and their caregivers often contend with incredibly difficult challenges daily. Still, even in severe cases, those with ASD don’t fit under one umbrella.
Barely six months after releasing its Barbie with Type 1 diabetes, Mattel introduced its first Barbie with autism. The doll was made in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and is available nationwide today.
Developed over more than 18 months, the doll was created in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a nonprofit disability rights organization run by and for autistic people. The doll joins the Barbie Fashionistas line,
For years, we've thought of autism as lying on a spectrum, but emerging evidence suggests that it comes in several distinct types. The implications for how we support autistic people could be profound
Mattel partnered with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) to create a Barbie with autism. The doll comes with features like headphones, a fidget spinner and sensory-sensitive clothing.
The doll features a gaze that is shifted slightly to the side, to “[reflect] how some members of the autistic community may avoid direct eye contact.”
In an industry built on the ability to mimic human behavior, the conversation around neurodivergence has long been relegated to the sidelines. However, a growing ... Read More
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