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Mattel has unveiled the first-ever autistic Barbie doll, and it comes with several technological elements, including… Noise canceling headphones – In Barbie pink. Some individuals with autism use headphones to reduce sensory overload and block out background noise. This Barbie doll also has a pink fidget spinner that actually spins and acts as a sensory outlet to reduce stress and improve focus. She holds a pink tablet displaying symbol-based augmentative and alternative communication apps, which help some autistic individuals communicate.
“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 doll as part of that ongoing work.” Jimmy Siegelman saidglobal president of dolls for Mattel. “Designed with the guidance of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, the doll helps expand inclusivity in the toy aisle and beyond because every child deserves to see themselves in Barbie.”
the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network It is a non-profit disability rights organization run by and for individuals with autism. Mattel and ASAN collaborated for more than 18 months to develop the doll.
Doll design and fashion
In addition to headphones, an AAC tablet, and fidget spinner accessories, Mattel built the doll itself differently than previous Barbie dolls. Features elbow and wrist joints. In the press release, Mattel noted that this enables “prodding, hand flapping, and other hand gestures that some members of the autism community use to process sensory information or express excitement.”
The first autistic Barbie doll joins Mattel’s Fashionistas line, which includes dolls with Down syndrome, type 1 diabetes and blindness, among others.
The doll’s eye gaze is shifted slightly to the side, and Mattel notes that this reflects “how some members of the autism community may avoid direct eye contact.”
Fashion has always been a vital part of Barbie dolls. Autistic Barbie wears a loose-fitting purple A-line dress with short sleeves and a flowy skirt that minimizes fabric contact with the skin. Her purple shoes feature flat soles, rather than the typical high-heeled Barbie shoes, for enhanced stability and ease of movement.
Autistic Barbie is joining Mattel’s Fashionistas doll line. Other dolls in the line represent people with type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome, and blindness. As part of the launch, Mattel is donating 1,000 autistic Barbie dolls to children’s hospitals across the country.
The doll is on sale now. We found it to be $11 at target online and Walmart And $11.87 On Amazon.