On Monday, Mattel unveiled its first autistic Barbie as part of the brand’s ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity and representation in children’s toys. The launch comes as part of the company’s initiative to make sure all children are able to see themselves reflected in their toys. This latest release from the Barbie Fashionistas line reflects the wide range of experiences of children with autism. It provides these children with the opportunity to interact with a doll that was created with their unique requirements in mind.
Our new Barbie has a rugged, unique style. Her eyes look slightly off to the side, which is intentional, as many autistic people tend to look away from direct eye contact just as Amanda does. This feature shows the unique ways people on the spectrum connect with the world around them. That’s not a perfect solution, but it provides a discreet validation of their multifaceted reality. The doll comes dressed in a cute, purple pinstripe A-line dress with short sleeves and a nice, flowy bottom. With public health recommendations in mind, this design reduces fabric-to-skin contact and makes them soft on the skin of children averse to abrasive textures.
Mattel worked alongside American charity, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, to develop the doll. This collaboration helped to ensure that the design truly addresses how children with autism experience, process, and communicate with their surroundings. Jamie Cygielman, global head of dolls at Mattel, described the significance of this initiative.
“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.” – Jamie Cygielman
This doll’s release comes in a time when over one in a hundred children are thought to be autistic. This whopping statistic is courtesy of the World Health Organization. While Barbie has been around since 1959, it took until 2019 for the dolls to include representations of disabilities. It was a huge victory for diversity, inclusion, and the toy industry.
Cygielman emphasized the depth of Mattel’s engagement with the autistic community during the design process. She pointed out the importance of being sensitive to and aware that there are many expressions of autism.
“We engaged with the autistic community throughout the design process, always mindful that autism is experienced differently by every individual and is not always visible.” – Jamie Cygielman
The new autistic Barbie to the line-up Other dolls in the Fashionistas line up that support inclusion.…you’ll be introduced to a Ken doll with a prosthetic leg. There’s one in a wheelchair that includes a ramp, and another Ken who proudly wears hearing aids. The creation of this range is a testament to Mattel’s commitment to transforming inclusion in today’s diverse toy aisle.
Mattel Studios is releasing the first-ever animated Barbie feature film. This high-profile renewal follows the success of Greta Gerwig’s 2023 blockbuster. This mix of these initiatives is a great example of how Mattel has been able to shape its brand image over the years while tackling today’s social issues.
Ellie Middleton, a campaigner for autism awareness, said she was delighted to see this new Barbie.
“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.” – Ellie Middleton
Jolanta Lasota, yet another autism advocate, offered some astute, critical advice about the portrayal of autism in Barbie dolls.
“Theoretically any Barbie can be reimagined as autistic because autism doesn’t have one look.” – Jolanta Lasota
Mattel’s launch of its first autistic Barbie not only symbolizes progress within the toy industry but serves as an important message to children everywhere: diversity and acceptance are fundamental parts of childhood play. Diversity & Inclusion The initiative helps all children play with dolls that match their everyday lives and learn about their classmates.