Barbie is breaking barriers once again. Mattel launched its first Barbie doll with autism, the latest addition to its Fashionista line, which celebrates diversity and representation.
The company said it spent 18 months developing the new doll in collaboration with members of the autistic community and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). The network is a nonprofit organization that “seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism.”
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Designing a more inclusive Barbie
In a statement, Mattel said the goal was “to represent common ways autistic people may experience, process, and communicate about the world around them.” The team that designed the new Barbie said it made intentional choices to reflect the experiences of people with autism.
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The first Barbie doll debuted on March 9, 1959, at the American Toy Fair in New York City.
“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,” said Jamie Cygielman, Mattel’s Global Head of Dolls.
The doll’s body differs from traditional Barbies in several ways. It features elbow and wrist articulation and a slightly shifted gaze. They’re elements intended to reflect common movements and behaviors, including “stimming” and hand flapping.
The doll also comes with accessories often associated with autism, including a fidget spinner, headphones and a tablet. Its outfit is designed to be sensory-friendly, with a loose-fitting dress that “provides less fabric-to-skin contact,” and flat shoes instead of Barbie’s iconic heels.
Expanding the Fashionista line
This new autism Barbie joins the broader Fashionista collection, which includes dolls representing a wide range of conditions and differences, including type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome, blindness and vitiligo.
Mattel also sought to create a doll with facial features inspired by the company’s employees in India and mood boards reflecting a range of women with Indian backgrounds, according to the Associated Press.
Noor Pervez of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network told AP it was important for the doll to represent a part of the autistic community that is often underrepresented.
