Mattel is introducing its first Barbie designed to represent someone on the autism spectrum, marking the latest addition to the company’s long-running effort to broaden how its iconic dolls reflect real people.
The new Barbie joins the Fashionistas lineup, which already includes dolls with Down syndrome, Type 1 diabetes, hearing aids, prosthetic limbs, vitiligo, and a wide range of body shapes and skin tones.
Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is a spectrum, which means symptoms vary by person. Some need little support in their daily lives, and some may need a great deal of support in performing day-to-day activities. Some may have advanced conversation skills and others may be minimally verbal.
The autism-themed Barbie wasn’t rushed. Mattel spent more than a year and a half developing the doll in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a nonprofit focused on disability rights and authentic representation. The challenge, according to those involved, was avoiding a one-size-fits-all portrayal.
“Autism doesn’t look any one way,” said Noor Pervez, ASAN’s community engagement manager. “But we can try and show some of the ways that autism expresses itself.”
The doll’s gaze is slightly averted, reflecting the fact that some autistic people may find direct eye contact uncomfortable. The Barbie also features articulated elbows and wrists, acknowledging stimming behaviors such as hand movements that can support sensory regulation or reduce excitement.
Clothing was another area of careful consideration. Sensory sensitivity varies widely among autistic people, including how fabric feels against the skin. Some prefer loose clothing, while others feel more grounded in fitted garments. The final design features a short-sleeved A-line dress with a flowing skirt, chosen to minimize contact with excess fabric. Flat shoes were selected for comfort and ease of movement.
Accessories also play a role in representation. Each doll includes a pink finger-clip fidget spinner, noise-canceling headphones, and a pink tablet inspired by assistive communication devices often used by autistic people who struggle with verbal speech.
“Autistic kids often feel excluded because they are different. Having a doll that represents their personal experiences sends a message that they are valued and included,” Geraldine Dawson, founding director of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development and William Cleland Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University School of Medicine said in a statement. “This can play an important role in developing a positive sense of identity and self-esteem. For kids on the spectrum, this is especially important because it can buffer them from developing mental health problems, such as depression, which are common among autistic kids.”
The advocacy group and nonprofit Autism Speaks also said the new doll “helps reinforce a positive self-image for autistic children.”
“When toy brands like Toys ‘R’ Us or Mattel support autism, they send a powerful message about inclusion that can shape kids’ identities early on,” Eileen Lamb, a senior director of marketing and social media strategy at Autism Speaks, told ABC News in a statement.
RELATED:
