Mattel debuts first autistic Barbie in partnership with ASAN

Mattel has launched its first autistic Barbie as the latest addition to its Barbie Fashionistas collection, designed in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). Mattel said the doll is intended to reflect real autistic people's experiences and "invites more children to see themselves represented." Jamie Cygielman, Mattel's global head of dolls, said, "Barbie has always strived to reflect the world kids see and the possibilities they imagine, and we’re proud to introduce our first autistic Barbie as part of that ongoing work." The autistic Barbie wears a loose-fitting lavender and white striped dress, flat-soled shoes, and pink noise-cancelling headphones that are colour-coordinated with her tablet.

The tablet shows symbol-based apps designed to enable communication without speaking, and the doll includes a fidget spinner that actually spins. Her body features articulated elbow and wrist joints so she can stim, her gaze is shifted slightly off-centre — which Mattel says "reflects how some members of the autistic community may avoid direct eye contact" — and her hair is worn loose "as autism can impact fine motor skills." ASAN executive director Colin Killick said, "It is so important for young autistic people to see authentic, joyful representations of themselves," and ASAN said it will "keep pushing for more representation like this." Mattel also announced it will donate over 1,000 autistic Barbie dolls to various U.S.

Key Topics

Culture, Mattel, Barbie, Asan, Barbie Fashionistas, Autism