Mattel Inc. unveiled its first autistic Barbie on Monday, expanding its Fashionistas line to promote diversity alongside dolls with Down syndrome, blindness, vitiligo, and Type 1 diabetes
Developed over 18 months with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the doll reflects ways some autistic people process the world, per a Mattel release. Autism varies widely, with many traits invisible, said Noor Pervez, the network’s community engagement manager.
Like many disabilities, “autism doesn’t look any one way,” Pervez said, the Associated Press reported. “But we can try and show some of the ways that autism expresses itself.”
Features include eyes shifted slightly to the side to represent avoiding eye contact; articulated elbows and wrists for stimming, like hand flapping; a flowy, short-sleeved A-line dress and flat shoes for sensory comfort; plus a spinning fidget spinner, noise-canceling headphones, and a tablet for communication.
Facial design draws from Indian employees and mood boards, highlighting underrepresented autistic communities.
Mattel debuted a Down syndrome Barbie in 2023 and a Type 1 diabetes version last summer. The line includes prosthetics, hearing aids, varied bodies, hair types, and skin tones.
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