Barbie is expanding its commitment to representation with the introduction of its first-ever autistic Barbie doll, created with guidance from autistic people and the autistic community.
Mattel developed the doll in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a disability rights organization run by and for autistic people. The collaboration lasted more than 18 months and helped inform design choices intended to reflect some ways autistic people may experience and interact with the world.
The doll features several accessories and details inspired by experiences that some autistic people may relate to, including a pink finger-clip fidget spinner, noise-canceling headphones, and a tablet displaying symbol-based Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) applications. The doll also has a slightly shifted eye gaze, reflecting that some autistic individuals may avoid direct eye contact.
Its clothing was designed with sensory considerations in mind as well. The doll wears a loose-fitting purple pinstripe dress with a flowy skirt and flat purple shoes, incorporating features that Mattel says are intended to support ease of movement and reduce fabric-to-skin contact.
The new doll joins Barbie’s Fashionistas collection, which has continued to expand its representation of different skin tones, hair textures, body types, medical conditions and disabilities. According to Mattel, the goal is to give more children opportunities to see themselves represented through play while also encouraging children to learn about experiences outside of their own.
To celebrate the launch, Barbie is also donating more than 1,000 autistic Barbie dolls to pediatric hospitals that provide specialized services for children on the autism spectrum. The donations will go to hospitals including Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Rady Children’s Hospital Orange County.
The autistic Barbie doll is now available through Mattel Shop and major retailers, adding another representation-focused option to the Barbie Fashionistas collection.
