Barbie introduces the first autistic Barbie doll to broaden representation for children

Mattel worked with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) to develop the first autistic Barbie doll, which includes sensory-sensitive design features and accessories. Mattel says the doll is now available and that it will donate more than 1,000 dolls to pediatric hospitals.

Mattel unveiled its first autistic Barbie doll, developed in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) over more than 18 months. The doll is part of the Barbie Fashionistas collection and was designed to reflect some experiences that members of the autistic community described. The launch includes a filmed video with autistic advocates and will be accompanied by donations to pediatric hospitals. Key points: - Development: The doll was created with guidance from ASAN, a nonprofit run by and for autistic people, after an 18-plus month development process. - Design features: The doll includes elbow and wrist articulation to allow stimming gestures and an eye gaze shifted slightly to the side to reflect how some autistic people relate to eye contact. - Accessories and clothing: Each doll includes a pink finger-clip fidget spinner, noise-cancelling headphones, a tablet, and wears a loose-fitting purple pinstripe A-line dress with flat-soled purple shoes designed for sensory sensitivity and ease of movement. - Representation and collection: The autistic Barbie joins the Fashionistas line, which Mattel says offers over 175 looks and includes dolls representing other medical conditions and disabilities. - Availability and donation: The doll is available on Mattel Shop and at major retailers, and Mattel plans to donate more than 1,000 autistic Barbie dolls to pediatric hospitals including Children's National Hospital, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and Rady Children's Hospital Orange County. Summary: The release frames the autistic Barbie as a step toward wider representation in the Barbie line and reports that the design choices reflect input from autistic individuals and advocates. Mattel has made the doll available for purchase and announced a hospital donation program as part of the launch, and the company and ASAN say they will continue work on representation.