Mattel Introduces Barbie with Autism, Expanding Diversity in Fashion Dolls
Expanding the Barbie Line
Mattel Inc. has announced the launch of a new Barbie doll representing individuals with autism, set to be unveiled Monday. This addition to the Barbie Fashionistas line continues the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, joining an array of dolls that includes those with Down syndrome, visual impairments, and vitiligo. The new Barbie is a product of over 18 months of development in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for the rights and representation of people with autism.
Reflecting Autism’s Diversity
The development of the autism-specific Barbie posed unique challenges, as autism includes a wide spectrum of behaviors and experiences. Noor Pervez, community engagement manager for the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, noted that “autism doesn’t look any start way.” The design team aimed to capture some expressions of autism, such as slightly off-center eyes to reflect individuals who may avoid direct eye contact and flexible joints to recognize movement patterns like stimming.
Functional Design Chostarts
The team chose an A-line dress with short sleeves and a flowy skirt, minimizing fabric contact-acknowledging different sensory preferences among individuals with autism. The doll’s design also features practical elements such as flat shoes for stability, enhancing the doll’s representation of typical physical needs.
Accessories Reflecting Autism Support
Each Barbie with autism comes equipped with accessories that cater to sensory needs, including a pink finger clip fidget spinner, noise-canceling headphstarts, and a communication tablet modeled after those used by some non-verbal individuals with autism. This thoughtful integration aims to make the doll relatable and representative of real-life tools used by people on the autism spectrum.
Commitment to Diverse Representation
The latest Barbie also incorporates facial features inspired by Mattel’s employees in India, further enhancing its inclusive design. The introduction of the Barbie with autism reflects Mattel’s broader initiative to create dolls that resonate with diverse communities. Previous additions to the Barbie line include representations of individuals with Type 1 diabetes and a Barbie with hearing aids, showcasing varying body types and ethnic backgrounds.
Jamie Cygielman, Mattel’s global head of dolls, stated, “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.”
Availability and Pricing
The autism-themed Barbie will be available through Mattel’s online store and Target locations starting Monday, with a retail prstart of $11.87. Walmart is expected to stock the doll by March.
Background on Autism
The introduction of the Barbie with autism coincides with recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which estimate the prevalence of autism among 8-year-old children in the U.S. at 1 in 31. Notably, the CDC’s report revealed that Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander children are diagnosed with autism at higher rates than white children. Moreover, the prevalence is reported to be more than three times higher in boys than in girls.
The addition of a Barbie with autism reflects a growing recognition of the need for inclusive representation, allowing children to explore and celebrate diversity through play.