In a groundbreaking move, Mattel has launched its first-ever autistic Barbie doll as part of the company's efforts to promote representation and inclusion. The new addition to the popular doll's Fashionistas range is designed to help children see themselves in Barbie and encourages all children to play with dolls that reflect their own experiences.
According to Jamie Cygielman, global head of dolls at Mattel, "Barbie has always strived to reflect the world kids see and the possibilities they imagine." The new autistic Barbie doll is part of this ongoing commitment to representation, aiming to expand what inclusion looks like in the toy aisle. Every child deserves to see themselves in Barbie.
The doll is designed with features that reflect common experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum, such as slightly averted eyes, fully bendable elbows and wrists for stimming and hand-flapping, a fidget spinner, noise-cancelling headphones, and a tablet with symbol-based augmentative communication buttons. These elements help reduce stress, overcome sensory overload, and facilitate everyday communication.
The release of this doll comes just six months after the launch of a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes. The company's efforts to create more inclusive toys are gaining momentum, with blind dolls, Barbies in wheelchairs, and others featuring various disabilities now part of their range.
Autism is a form of neurodivergence that affects how individuals experience and interact with society. More than one child in every hundred is believed to be autistic, according to the World Health Organization. The new doll aims to promote greater understanding and acceptance, highlighting that autism is not always visible and can manifest differently for each individual.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network collaborated with Mattel on the design process, ensuring that the doll accurately represents some of the ways individuals with autism may experience and express themselves. This partnership demonstrates the company's commitment to listening to and valuing the voices within the autistic community.
Critics and advocates alike are praising this move, with Jolanta Lasota, chief executive of Ambitious about Autism, saying "Theoretically any Barbie can be reimagined as autistic, because autism doesn't have one look." The doll also shines a light on the experiences of autistic girls, who often slip under the radar.
For many neurodivergent individuals, having an autistic Barbie changes everything. As author and founder Ellie Middleton notes, "She is showing young girls that it is OK to be autistic, it is OK to be different, and it is OK to wear those differences with pride." By promoting diversity and inclusion, Mattel's efforts are helping to create a more accepting and understanding world for all.
According to Jamie Cygielman, global head of dolls at Mattel, "Barbie has always strived to reflect the world kids see and the possibilities they imagine." The new autistic Barbie doll is part of this ongoing commitment to representation, aiming to expand what inclusion looks like in the toy aisle. Every child deserves to see themselves in Barbie.
The doll is designed with features that reflect common experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum, such as slightly averted eyes, fully bendable elbows and wrists for stimming and hand-flapping, a fidget spinner, noise-cancelling headphones, and a tablet with symbol-based augmentative communication buttons. These elements help reduce stress, overcome sensory overload, and facilitate everyday communication.
The release of this doll comes just six months after the launch of a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes. The company's efforts to create more inclusive toys are gaining momentum, with blind dolls, Barbies in wheelchairs, and others featuring various disabilities now part of their range.
Autism is a form of neurodivergence that affects how individuals experience and interact with society. More than one child in every hundred is believed to be autistic, according to the World Health Organization. The new doll aims to promote greater understanding and acceptance, highlighting that autism is not always visible and can manifest differently for each individual.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network collaborated with Mattel on the design process, ensuring that the doll accurately represents some of the ways individuals with autism may experience and express themselves. This partnership demonstrates the company's commitment to listening to and valuing the voices within the autistic community.
Critics and advocates alike are praising this move, with Jolanta Lasota, chief executive of Ambitious about Autism, saying "Theoretically any Barbie can be reimagined as autistic, because autism doesn't have one look." The doll also shines a light on the experiences of autistic girls, who often slip under the radar.
For many neurodivergent individuals, having an autistic Barbie changes everything. As author and founder Ellie Middleton notes, "She is showing young girls that it is OK to be autistic, it is OK to be different, and it is OK to wear those differences with pride." By promoting diversity and inclusion, Mattel's efforts are helping to create a more accepting and understanding world for all.
like I never thought I'd see the day where Mattel would make a doll that actually represents people with autism it's amazing how much more inclusive they're being now - I mean, who says autistic dolls can't have fidget spinners and noise-cancelling headphones lol? 
but seriously, it's so great to see Mattel working with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network to get this right 
what's even more beautiful is that they're not just making an autistic doll for kids with autism, but also for all kids who might have friends or family members with autism 
and let me tell you their garden is like a whole different world - they have this massive old tree that's literally covered in these tiny little birds that are like, totally adorable 
. anyway back to mattel and barbie... i love how they're trying to be more inclusive and stuff but honestly can we talk about how amazing it would be if they had a line of dolls with different disabilities just for the sake of having them? like what if they had a doll that's, say, really into gardening or something 
. i mean i know it's great to have more diversity and representation but sometimes i think we need a little bit of weirdness too 
its about time we start representing diversity more accurately, and mattel is killing it with these new dolls 
especially since they got input from the autistic community too, that makes it even more special 
... I mean, it's about time, right? 
A doll that represents autistic kids is a huge step in the right direction 
. It's amazing how much thought went into designing this doll, like, really getting what autism is all about 
.
I'm so stoked to see Mattel making this awesome move! They're really pushing the boundaries of representation in toys, which is super important for kids who might not see themselves reflected back at them. I mean, who wouldn't want to play with a doll that's like them? 
The attention to detail on the autistic Barbie doll is amazing - those little features are gonna make such a big difference for kids on the spectrum. It's about time we start seeing more diverse toys out there!