For the first time, a Barbie doll with features designed to account for the ways in which individuals with autism experience the world is hitting the market.
Mattel, the maker of the iconic toy, said the doll has a new face sculpt and an eye gaze that’s shifted to the side given that some people with autism avoid direct eye contact. In addition, the so-called “Autistic Barbie” will have articulating elbows and wrists to allow for stimming, hand flapping and other gestures, which are common among those on the spectrum.
The new doll comes with a fidget spinner, pink noise-cancelling headphones and a tablet displaying a symbol-based augmentative and alternative communication app. Autistic Barbie is outfitted with a loose-fitting dress to account for sensory-sensitivity and has flat Mary Jane shoes to promote stability, Mattel said.
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The company spent more than 18 months working with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network to create the new Barbie.
“It is so important for young autistic people to see authentic, joyful representations of themselves, and that’s exactly what this doll is,” said Colin Killick, executive director of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. “Partnering with Barbie allowed us to share insights and guidance throughout the design process to ensure the doll fully represents and celebrates the autistic community, including the tools that help us be independent.”
The Barbie with autism is part of the Barbie Fashionistas collection, a lineup aimed at promoting inclusivity that offers over 175 options featuring various skin tones, eye colors, hair colors and textures, body types, disabilities and fashions.
Mattel already offers Barbie dolls with Down syndrome, blindness, hearing aids, wheelchairs, prosthetic legs and more.
The new Barbie with autism is available on the Mattel Shop and at Target for $11.87. It will have a larger rollout at Walmart in March, the company said.
