Mattel Introduces Autistic Barbie to Tackle Issues in Depicting Autism Spectrum
In recent years, the toy manufacturer Mattel has been striving to make its Barbie collection more representative of the real world. Newest additions feature a Barbie with Down syndrome, the first doll equipped with hearing aids, and a doll addressing type 1 diabetes. Now, Mattel has progressed further with the introduction of an autistic Barbie, enhancing its commitment to making the renowned fashion doll more inclusive.
Autistic Barbie was developed in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) to create a doll that embodies some of the experiences of autistic individuals. It includes a fidget spinner, noise-canceling headphones, and a slightly averted gaze to symbolize how some autistic people may sometimes avoid direct eye contact.
The doll is also equipped with an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tablet, which provides non-verbal autistic individuals a channel to express themselves. Additionally, she features flexible joints at the elbows and wrists, permitting her hands to move naturally so that children can emulate stimming behaviors with the doll. Even her loose-fitting dress has been thoughtfully designed to reduce fabric-to-skin contact, which can be challenging for some autistic individuals.
Mattel modeled the doll on its team members in India, along with mood boards showcasing women from various Indian backgrounds. Noor Pervez, the community engagement manager at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, who collaborated closely with Mattel on the Barbie prototype, aimed to advocate for an aspect of the autistic community that is frequently overlooked.
Despite the designers’ positive intentions, the autistic Barbie is currently facing criticism online. Many individuals have taken to social media to voice concerns that it reinforces limiting stereotypes. Autism spans a broad spectrum, and no singular representation can capture the extensive variety of experiences, traits, and behaviors found within the autistic community.
One individual remarked, “Autism can’t be encapsulated by a few props. Reducing it to noise-canceling headphones and a fidget spinner risks perpetuating narrow stereotypes rather than confronting them.” Another added, “Inclusion should focus on listening to autistic voices—not packaging us.”
The creators of the autistic Barbie did not aim to define autism, but rather to showcase just a fraction of the many ways it can manifest. “Autism doesn’t have a single appearance,” Pervez states. “However, we can attempt to illustrate some of the facets through which autism reveals itself.”
Peter Watt, managing director of National Programmes at the National Autistic Society, concurs that the doll marks a constructive stride toward enhancing public comprehension of autism and ensuring every child feels included. “Experiencing more portrayals of autism is fundamental to understanding and accepting autism,” he states. “It’s crucial that these representations are genuine and rooted in thorough consultation with autistic individuals, and we appreciate that Mattel engaged the autistic community in the design of this doll.”
Learn more about the new autistic Barbie on the Mattel website.