Many social media users are applauding Mattel for its latest Barbie doll, which accurately represents autism.
The renowned US toy company launched this groundbreaking doll on Sunday (January 11), and it became available in stores worldwide on Monday (January 12).
Mattel collaborated with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network over an 18-month period to develop the autistic Barbie doll.
This unique Barbie features moveable elbows and wrists to enable stimming, hand flapping, and other gestures. Her eye gaze is also slightly directed to one side.
The doll is equipped with a pink finger clip fidget spinner, noise-cancelling headphones, and a tablet—tools that individuals with autism might use for better focus and stress reduction.
The Barbie is dressed in a comfortable, loose-fitting purple pinstripe dress with short sleeves and a flowy skirt.
The CDC’s ADDM Network estimates that approximately one in 31 eight-year-old children in the U.S. have been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
According to the Mayo Clinic, ASD affects brain development, influencing social interactions and perceptions. It can lead to challenges in communication and social relationships, often accompanied by repetitive behaviors or restricted interests.
However, the Mayo Clinic also points out that each child with autism spectrum disorder exhibits a unique pattern of behavior, depending on whether their symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe.
Mattel’s global head of dolls, Jamie Cygielman, expressed: “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.
“The doll, designed with guidance from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, helps to expand what inclusion looks like in the toy aisle and beyond because every child deserves to see themselves in Barbie.”
Social media platforms have seen a surge of positive comments regarding the new Barbie doll.
One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, remarked: “They made an autistic Barbie and she’s looking at the ground (accurate and real).”
Another person commented: “Fair play, for such a massive company, it’s lush to see how hard @Barbie are working to make dolls that represent a wide variety of kids.”
They added: “Their new one has accessories that autistic children often use. That’s such a big deal, when they’re often othered in social settings.”
Regarding the doll’s flexible wrists and elbows, a third user wrote: “This is 100% my favourite feature, this is such a clever idea,” followed by three crying-age emojis.
Reddit users also responded positively, with one in the R/Barbie subreddit stating: “I literally let out a squeal of excitement when I saw this post!”
Another user expressed: “I want this so bad for my daughter.”
There were some mixed opinions on the doll’s outfit.
One person commented: “She’s cute. Dress is meh but I like her,” while another added: “Can’t the doll have cool basics?”
A third user noted: “Yeah the stripes are overwhelming to look at.”
This autistic Barbie doll release follows the type 1 diabetes Barbie from five months ago, the down syndrome Barbie in 2024, and the blindness Barbie in 2023.
These dolls belong to the inclusive Fashionista line, which, according to Mattel, offers ‘over 175+ looks.’ So if the dress isn’t to one’s liking, there are plenty of options to choose from!
Mattel highlights that this line aids ‘children in better understanding the world around them by encouraging doll play outside of a child’s own lived experience.’