Mattel launches autistic Barbie as part of inclusive Fashionistas range

Independent.co reports Mattel is introducing an autistic Barbie on Monday as the newest member of its Fashionistas line intended to celebrate diversity and inclusion. Mattel said it developed the autistic doll over more than 18 months in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network to reflect some ways autistic people may experience and process the world.

Noor Pervez of the advocacy group said autism “doesn’t look any one way,” and Mattel added features such as eyes that shift slightly to the side, articulated elbows and wrists to acknowledge stimming, an A-line short-sleeve dress and flat shoes. Each doll also comes with a pink finger clip fidget spinner, noise-cancelling headphones and a pink tablet modelled on devices used by some autistic people who struggle to speak; the design drew on facial features and mood boards inspired by the company’s employees in India to represent an underrepresented segment.

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 company said the doll was expected to be available at Mattel's online shop and at Target starting Monday for a suggested retail price of $11.87, with Walmart stores expected to begin carrying it in March.

Key Topics

Culture, Mattel, Barbie Fashionistas, Autism, Noor Pervez, Jamie Cygielman