Mattel Inc. is set to launch its inaugural Barbie doll representing autism, aiming to enhance inclusivity in their toy line. Developed in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), the doll is designed to resonate with autistic children and educate non-autistic individuals.
According to Noor Pervez, the community engagement manager at ASAN, the initiative seeks to provide early positive reinforcement about the normalcy and value of autistic individuals in society. The doll’s distinctive features, such as eyes that shift slightly to the side to depict avoidance of direct eye contact common in some autistic people, were carefully selected with input from advocates over an 18-month development period.
Additionally, the Barbie doll features movable elbows and wrists to acknowledge stimming behaviors and includes a fidget spinner for sensory purposes. The attire choice for the doll was deliberated extensively, opting for loose-fitting clothing to cater to sensitivities to fabric textures experienced by some autistic individuals. The doll also comes with a tablet to represent non-speaking autistic individuals and is crafted as a female of color to address under-identification of autistic women and people of color.
Deepa Singal, the scientific director of the Autism Alliance of Canada, emphasized the importance of representation in combating the under-diagnosis of girls with autism. Singal highlighted the role of broader representation in shifting societal perceptions and understanding of autism.
The introduction of the autistic Barbie aligns with Mattel’s Fashionistas line, which features diverse representations including individuals with various disabilities, body types, and skin colors. Jamie Cygielman, Mattel’s global head of dolls, expressed pride in the company’s commitment to reflecting diversity and inclusivity in their products.
Pervez, inspired by his childhood interactions with Mattel’s inclusive dolls, emphasized the doll’s role in fostering empathy and understanding towards autistic individuals. He highlighted the doll’s significance in normalizing the presence of autistic people in children’s worlds, similar to other diverse dolls in the collection.
