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Mattel’s Inclusive Barbie Fashionistas Collection Expands with First Autistic Barbie
Mattel, a leading name in the toy industry, is known for its commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusivity. The company’s Barbie Fashionistas Collection has been praised for its representation of a broad spectrum of hair textures, body types, and conditions, including Down Syndrome, vitiligo, and Type 1 diabetes. In a groundbreaking move, Mattel has now introduced the first-ever Barbie doll with autism spectrum disorder to its lineup.
Designing an Authentic Representation of Autism
The creation of the autistic Barbie doll was a collaborative effort between Mattel and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. The aim was to accurately represent the diverse ways in which autistic individuals process, experience, and interact with their surroundings. The inclusion of this doll in the Barbie collection promotes the values of kindness, inclusivity, and friendship, thereby encouraging children to see themselves reflected in the toy world.
Key Features of the Autistic Barbie Doll
Autism is a complex condition characterized by a wide range of behaviors and traits. As such, the design team at Barbie sought to highlight some of the common characteristics experienced by autistic individuals. For instance, the doll’s gaze is shifted slightly to the side, a nod to the fact that some autistic people may avoid direct eye contact. The doll also has additional articulation points at the elbows and wrists, enabling the representation of stimming or hand-flapping, common behaviors among autistic individuals for processing sensory information or expressing themselves.
Accessories and Attire: A Nod to Sensory Sensitivities
The doll is outfitted in a sensory-friendly pinstripe dress and comes with a range of accessories. These include a pink fidget spinner finger clip, pink noise-canceling headphones, and a handheld tablet featuring symbol-based Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps. These tools are often used by autistic individuals to navigate daily situations more comfortably. The doll’s look is completed with a pair of flat-soled purple sneakers for added stability.
Community Engagement and Charitable Contributions
In celebration of the launch, Mattel has partnered with advocates from the autistic community to share their unique experiences and reactions upon seeing a Barbie doll that mirrors their own experiences. In addition, Mattel will donate over 1,000 Barbie dolls to pediatric hospitals across the U.S. specializing in care for autistic children, including Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), and Rady Children’s Hospital in Orange County.
Where to Buy the Autistic Barbie Doll
The autistic Barbie is now available for purchase at major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart, as well as on shop.mattel.com.
