Mattel Introduces Autistic Barbie
Mattel released an autistic Barbie on Monday as part of its diversity-focused Fashionistas line, which already features dolls with Down syndrome, blindness, vitiligo, prosthetic legs, and hearing aids.
The company spent over 18 months creating the doll with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network to help craft the look and accessories. The doll’s eyes shift slightly sideways to show how some autistic people avoid direct eye contact, and has moveable elbows and wrists representing stimming and hand movements.
Each doll includes a pink fidget spinner, noise-canceling headphones, and a communication tablet similar to devices used by non-speaking autistic people.