At First Glance, an Ordinary 'Barbie'... But 'Aha!'?Mattel Launches Autism Spectrum Model

Mattel Launches First Barbie Reflecting the Autism Spectrum
"Ensuring Every Child Can Play Together"
Aiming to Expand Representation and Inclusivity

Global toy manufacturer Mattel has introduced its first Barbie doll reflecting the autism spectrum. The intention is to help children naturally understand the diversity of society.

Barbie doll reflecting the autism spectrum released by global toy manufacturer Mattel. Mattel website

According to The Guardian on January 12 (local time), Mattel has added its first autistic Barbie doll to its 'Fashionista' line. Released six months after the launch of the Type 1 Diabetes Barbie, this new doll was designed to allow children to see themselves in Barbie and to engage in play that reflects real-life experiences.

Incorporating Sensory and Communication Styles of Autistic Children

Autism spectrum disorder is a condition characterized in childhood by difficulties in social interaction, impairments in both verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors and interests. While individual characteristics vary, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 1 in 100 people worldwide are on the autism spectrum.

This autistic Barbie was created in collaboration with the American charity Autistic Self Advocacy Network. It was designed to reflect some of the diverse ways autistic children experience, perceive, and communicate with the world.

The doll’s eyes are slightly averted, representing the tendency of some autistic individuals to avoid direct eye contact. The elbows and wrists are freely bendable, allowing for repetitive movements-known as stimming-or hand-flapping gestures, which can help process sensory information or express excitement.

The doll’s fingers are fitted with a pink fidget spinner (a finger toy) to help relieve stress, and it wears pink noise-canceling headphones to reduce sensory overload. It also holds a pink tablet, the screen of which displays symbol-based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) buttons to assist with everyday communication.

The outfit is a purple striped A-line dress with short sleeves and a flowing skirt, designed to minimize skin irritation. The purple shoes have flat soles, prioritizing stability and comfort in movement.

Although Barbie dolls were first released in 1959, it was not until 2019 that a Barbie with a disability was introduced. Since then, Mattel has launched a visually impaired Barbie, a Barbie in a wheelchair, a Barbie with Down syndrome, a Barbie with a prosthetic leg, a Barbie with vitiligo, and a Barbie with a hearing aid. Barbie’s boyfriend Ken has also been released in versions with a prosthetic leg, in a wheelchair, and with a hearing aid.

Mattel: "Every Child Deserves to See Themselves in Barbie"

Jamie Sigilman, Global Head of Dolls at Mattel, stated that the release of the autistic Barbie is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to expand representation and inclusion. "Barbie has always strived to reflect the world children see and the possibilities they imagine," she said. "We are proud to introduce the first autistic Barbie as part of these efforts." She added, "This doll will expand the meaning of inclusion not only on toy shelves but beyond them as well. Every child deserves to see themselves in Barbie."

Jolanta Lasota, CEO of the UK autism awareness and support organization Ambitious about Autism, commented, "In theory, any Barbie could be reinterpreted as autistic, because there is no single way autism presents itself." Nevertheless, she noted, "Barbie is an iconic toy, so its representation is especially meaningful."

She added, "Some autistic adolescents are afraid to stand out at school and therefore avoid using aids like ear defenders or stim toys. The more we normalize these visible markers, the more positive the impact will be." She also pointed out, "Girls are three times less likely to be diagnosed with autism compared to boys, and this doll draws attention to the experiences of autistic girls, who are often overlooked."