Mattel introduces Barbie with Autism

Mattel has introduced its first Autistic Barbie doll.

Barbie and Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) have partnered to design the new doll “with connection and understanding at the core,” Mattel said on Instagram.

“Created with guidance from the autistic community to represent common ways autistic people may experience, process, and communicate about the world around them, this doll invites more children to see themselves represented in Barbie, and helps us all understand the many ways we each can experience the world,” the company added.

The Autistic Barbie has tanned skin and long black hair. She is dressed in a lavender and white-striped comfortable dress with a ruffle on the bottom.

The Mattel website added that since autism can impact fine motor skills, Autistic Barbie wears pink noise-cancelling headphones.

“More than just an accessory, they help relax her when she’s sensitive to stimuli!” Mattel said.

Autistic Barbie also comes with a fidget spinner that actually works. She also comes with an Augmentative and Alternative Communication tablet, “a tool that helps her express herself in ways other than talking!”

Apart from dolls that aim to inspire — remember the Jane Goodall barbie? — Mattel has also been releasing diverse Barbie dolls, including dolls with Down Syndrome and a doll with diabetes.

 

 

 

 

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— Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News