Barbie® Introduces the First Autistic Barbie Doll

This month, Mattel have launched its first autistic Barbie into its expanding Barbie Fashionistas range. The doll, created with the help of ASAN (Autistic Self Advocacy Network), was made with the aim of helping more children see themselves in the toys they play with. “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, Global Head of Dolls, Mattel. “The doll helps to expand what inclusion looks like in the toy aisle and beyond because every child deserves to see themselves in Barbie."

What features and accessories does the autistic Barbie doll have?

In close collaboration with ASAN, the Barbie design team made intentional design choices for the autistic Barbie doll, which individuals on the autism spectrum may relate to. These features and accessories include: 

• Body: Elbow and wrist articulation, enabling stimming, hand flapping, and other hand gestures.

• Eye Gaze: The doll is designed with an eye gaze shifted slightly to the side, which reflects how some members of the autistic community may avoid direct eye contact.

• Accessories: Each doll comes with a pink finger clip fidget spinner, noise-cancelling headphones and a tablet.

Sensory-Sensitive Fashions: The doll wears a loose-fitting dress with short sleeves and a flowy skirt that provides less fabric-to-skin contact with shoes that have flat soles to promote stability and ease of movement.

Reactions to the launch

While many celebrated the release, highlighting that toys can have a great impact on children and can help normalise support, such as headphone use in public, several articles have expressed concerns and frustration. Suggestions that trying to tick stereotypical boxes of autism with features such as headphones, fidget spinner and averting gaze, doesn't reflect the true diversity of the spectrum. Some critics have also noted that it may be problematic to give a permanent form to what can be an invisible disability. 

Representation is powerful

Currently in the UK, approximately 1 in 100 children have a formal diagnosis of autism, with recent school-based data from the Department of Education indicating that 5.3% of all pupils with an EHC (Education, Health and Care) Plan have autism as the most common primary need. 

Autism being represented in the mainstream toy industry could have a powerful impact and help families across the globe, providing a toy that children may be able to relate to, improve confidence and reduce stigma. With estimates of 80% of autistic girls remaining undiagnosed by the age of 18, often due to “masking” behaviour, the release of an autistic Barbie may help increase visibility and understanding of autism. This representation could help autistic girls feel seen and validated, potentially leading to earlier conversations about their experiences and needs with their families.