Mattel has introduced its first Barbie doll designed to represent autism, as part of its Fashionistas collection. The initiative aims to enhance inclusivity in its toy line, allowing more children to see themselves reflected in diverse representations.
Introduction
Mattel has launched a new Barbie doll specifically designed to represent autism. This addition expands the company's Fashionistas collection, which focuses on providing diverse representations in its toy line. The collection previously included dolls representing various skin tones, hair textures, body types, and health conditions.
Design and Features
The design of the autistic Barbie doll incorporated several features. Its gaze is positioned slightly to the side, which Mattel stated reflects how some individuals with autism may avoid direct eye contact. The doll also has fully bendable elbows and wrists, features described as allowing for repetitive physical movements such as stimming or hand-flapping, which some individuals may use to process sensory information or express excitement.
Accessories accompanying the doll include a pink fidget spinner, pink noise-cancelling headphones, and a pink tablet. The fidget spinner is described as a tool to help reduce stress, the headphones for mitigating sensory overload, and the tablet as a symbol of an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device with symbol-based communication buttons.
The doll wears a purple pinstripe A-line dress that is loose-fitting and short-sleeved, a design choice described as addressing the preference of some autistic individuals for minimal fabric contact with their skin. Purple shoes with flat soles are also included, designed to promote stability and ease of movement.
Collaboration and Development
Mattel developed the doll in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a US charity. Colin Killick, ASAN's executive director, stated that the partnership aimed to ensure authentic representation for young autistic people and to integrate insights to ensure the doll celebrates the autistic community and incorporates tools for independence. Jamie Cygielman, Mattel's global head of dolls, stated that the design process involved collaboration with the autistic community, acknowledging the diverse and often non-visible nature of autism.
Broader Inclusivity Initiatives
The introduction of the autistic Barbie continues Mattel's expansion of its inclusive doll lines. Barbie dolls were first introduced in 1959, with dolls representing disabilities not appearing until 2019. The Fashionistas range now includes dolls with blindness, wheelchairs, Down syndrome, prosthetic limbs, vitiligo, and hearing aids. Ken dolls are also available with prosthetic legs, wheelchairs, and hearing aids. Cygielman stated that the autistic Barbie represents an expansion of the company's commitment to representation and inclusion and helps broaden the scope of inclusion in the toy industry, enabling children to see themselves reflected in Barbie.
Community and Expert Commentary
Commentary on the doll from various individuals and organizations was noted. Precious Hill, a mother from Las Vegas who also has autism, stated that receiving the doll for her 5-year-old nonverbal daughter, Mikko, who uses an AAC device, made her feel seen. Her 11-year-old autistic son, Matthew, also reacted to the doll.
Eileen Lamb of Austin, Texas, a senior director at Autism Speaks and founder of The Autism Café blog, who was diagnosed with autism later in life, noted that autism can manifest differently in girls and that the doll serves as a tool for initiating conversations. She acknowledged that a single doll cannot represent the entire spectrum but stated that toys and representation are important for children to see themselves.
Jolanta Lasota, chief executive of Ambitious about Autism, noted that the explicit representation offered by the doll is significant. She expressed the view that the toy could normalize supports such as ear defenders and stim toys, and draw attention to the experiences of autistic girls, who are often diagnosed later than boys. Ellie Middleton, an author and founder of a neurodivergent online community, stated that a lack of visible representation contributed to her own late diagnosis and expressed hope that the doll would challenge misconceptions about autism.
Context of Autism Diagnosis
The doll's design aims to represent the approximately 1 in 31 children diagnosed with autism by age eight in the United States. Research suggests that autism is more prevalent in boys, but it is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed in girls, sometimes not identified until adulthood. Other brands such as Lottie and Lego also offer inclusive dolls and minifigures, including those representing autism or non-visible disabilities.