Mattel Introduces Autistic Barbie to Enhance Inclusive Range

Mattel Inc. has launched its first autistic Barbie, expanding its line of inclusive dolls aimed at representing diverse experiences. The new doll will be available starting March 4, 2024, through Mattel’s online store and at Target locations, with a suggested retail price of $11.87. This addition highlights the company’s commitment to inclusivity, joining existing dolls that feature Down syndrome, blindness, vitiligo, and various body types and skin tones.

The development of the autistic Barbie involved over 18 months of collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the rights and representation of individuals with autism. Noor Pervez, the network’s community engagement manager, emphasized the complexity of designing a doll that authentically reflects the many ways autism presents itself.

To illustrate this diversity, the new Barbie has eyes that are angled slightly to the side, representing how some autistic individuals may avoid direct eye contact. Additionally, articulated elbows and wrists allow for movements associated with self-soothing, such as stimming and hand flapping. “Autism doesn’t look any one way,” Pervez stated, highlighting the importance of showcasing different expressions of autism.

Clothing choices were also carefully considered during the design process. Some autistic individuals prefer loose-fitting garments due to sensitivity to seams, while others opt for tighter clothing for body awareness. The team settled on an A-line dress with short sleeves and a flowing skirt to minimize skin contact, paired with flat shoes for stability and comfort.

Each doll includes accessories tailored to reflect tools commonly used by autistic individuals, such as a pink finger-clip fidget spinner, noise-canceling headphones, and a pink tablet resembling communication devices. Furthermore, the facial features of the doll were inspired by Mattel employees in India, incorporating a range of women from Indian backgrounds to enhance representation within the autistic community.

Mattel has been gradually expanding its Fashionistas line in recent years. The company introduced its first doll with Down syndrome in 2023 and added a Barbie with Type 1 diabetes in the summer of the same year. The collection now features dolls with prosthetic legs, hearing aids, and an array of body shapes, hairstyles, and skin tones.

“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 Jamie Cygielman, Mattel’s global head of dolls.

In the United States, autism is a prevalent condition among children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in 31 eight-year-olds is diagnosed with autism. The agency also reported that Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Pacific Islander children are more likely to receive an autism diagnosis compared to their white counterparts. Furthermore, autism is over three times more common in boys than in girls.

The introduction of the autistic Barbie represents a significant step in promoting inclusivity and fostering understanding of autism, aiming to create a more accepting environment for children and families alike.