Last week, Barbie introduced a new doll to the toy aisle. Mattel created the first-ever autistic Barbie doll with guidance from the autistic community and ASAN, a non-profit disability rights organization. The doll helps more children see themselves represented in Barbie.
The doll joins the Barbie Fashionista collection, which features a diverse range of skin tones, hair textures, body types, and various disabilities and medical conditions. “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 Global Head of Dolls at Mattel, Jamie Cygielman.
Intentional Design Choices
The Barbie design team, working closely with ASAN, intentionally designed the doll to authentically reflect experiences that individuals on the autism spectrum may relate to. “Every child deserves to see themselves in Barbie,” said Cygielman.
The Barbie features a shifted eye gaze, reflecting how members of the autistic community sometimes avoid direct eye contact. The doll also includes elbow and wrist articulation for movements such as stimming, hand flapping, and other gestures that members of the autistic community use to process sensory information or express excitement.
For accessories, the doll includes a tablet, noise-cancelling headphones, and a pink finger clip fidget spinner. For wardrobe, the doll wears a purple pinstripe A-line dress that fits loosely with short sleeves and a flowy skirt–providing less fabric-to-skin contact–and purple, flat-soled shoes.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Barbie collaborated with advocates from the autistic community who also work in creative fields, including entrepreneurs, fashion designers, visual artists, and more, to celebrate their authentic experiences and lifestyles.
Barbie announced that they will donate more than 1,000 autistic Barbie dolls to leading pediatric hospitals that provide specialized services for children on the autism spectrum are provided, aiming to bring joy, comfort, and representation to the community.
“We’re honored to see this milestone come to life, and we will keep pushing for more representation like this that supports our community in dreaming big and living proud,” shared Executive Director of Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), Colin Killick.
To learn more about the Barbie Fashionista Collection, visit corporate.mattel.com .