Mattel has taken a significant step towards greater representation in its iconic doll line by launching its first autistic Barbie, the latest addition to its diverse range of characters. This move follows the success of Greta Gerwig's 2023 blockbuster film featuring an animated version of the fashion icon, which further solidifies Mattel Studios' commitment to showcasing diverse and inclusive characters.
The new autistic Barbie is part of Mattel's ongoing efforts to provide children with dolls that reflect their experiences and promote inclusion. The doll features a range of design elements intended to represent how individuals on the autism spectrum may experience and communicate with the world, such as slightly averted eyes and fully bendable elbows and wrists for stimming movements.
Mattel collaborated with the US charity Autistic Self Advocacy Network in the development process to ensure that the doll accurately represents autistic experiences. The company has faced criticism in the past for its lack of representation, particularly regarding disabilities, but this new addition aims to change that narrative.
The launch comes on the heels of recent Barbie dolls featuring individuals with type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome, and other disabilities. These additions demonstrate Mattel's commitment to diversity and inclusion, providing children with role models that mirror their own experiences.
Experts hail this move as a significant step forward in promoting acceptance and understanding of autism among young people. Jamie Cygielman, global head of dolls at Mattel, emphasized the importance of representation and inclusion, stating that Barbie aims to showcase "a broader range of authentic experiences" for all children.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network praised this new addition, noting that it will help normalize visible markers of autism, such as stim toys or ear defenders. They also highlighted the significance of including autistic girls, who are often overlooked in discussions about autism diagnosis and representation.
Mattel's move has been welcomed by advocates for neurodivergent individuals, including author Ellie Middleton, who hopes this new doll will challenge misconceptions surrounding autism and promote acceptance among young people. With the launch of its first autistic Barbie, Mattel is taking a crucial step towards creating more inclusive and representative toys that reflect the diversity of its customers.
The new autistic Barbie is part of Mattel's ongoing efforts to provide children with dolls that reflect their experiences and promote inclusion. The doll features a range of design elements intended to represent how individuals on the autism spectrum may experience and communicate with the world, such as slightly averted eyes and fully bendable elbows and wrists for stimming movements.
Mattel collaborated with the US charity Autistic Self Advocacy Network in the development process to ensure that the doll accurately represents autistic experiences. The company has faced criticism in the past for its lack of representation, particularly regarding disabilities, but this new addition aims to change that narrative.
The launch comes on the heels of recent Barbie dolls featuring individuals with type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome, and other disabilities. These additions demonstrate Mattel's commitment to diversity and inclusion, providing children with role models that mirror their own experiences.
Experts hail this move as a significant step forward in promoting acceptance and understanding of autism among young people. Jamie Cygielman, global head of dolls at Mattel, emphasized the importance of representation and inclusion, stating that Barbie aims to showcase "a broader range of authentic experiences" for all children.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network praised this new addition, noting that it will help normalize visible markers of autism, such as stim toys or ear defenders. They also highlighted the significance of including autistic girls, who are often overlooked in discussions about autism diagnosis and representation.
Mattel's move has been welcomed by advocates for neurodivergent individuals, including author Ellie Middleton, who hopes this new doll will challenge misconceptions surrounding autism and promote acceptance among young people. With the launch of its first autistic Barbie, Mattel is taking a crucial step towards creating more inclusive and representative toys that reflect the diversity of its customers.
gotta say, i'm so hyped about mattel's new autistic barbie! it's like, finally some representation for kids who don't look like the 'norm' 
this doll is not just a marketing move, but a genuine attempt to include people with autism in the Barbie universe. and let's be real, it's about time! 
i mean, we've seen dolls with type 1 diabetes, down syndrome, and all that, so why not autism? 
mattel got their facts straight by collabing with the us charity autistc self advocacy network, too. that's real talk 
this doll is more than just a toy, it's a way to normalize autistic experiences and help kids feel seen 
. Just having a doll with autistic traits isn't enough, we need more context and information about what that means in real life.
. It's cool that they collaborated with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, maybe next they can include some autistic adults in their lineup too.
this is so cool 
mattel finally gets it right 
autistic barbie is like, totally awesome 
and i love how they collaborated with the us charity to make sure she's real 
autism rep is so important for kids who feel like they don't fit in 
and now we have a doll that looks like me 
or at least, kinda like me 
this means more inclusivity and diversity 
so i think this is a really positive move by mattel 
they're finally starting to acknowledge the diversity of their customers and it's amazing to see them working with organizations like the autistic self advocacy network to make sure the doll accurately represents autism 
I'm not sure about this whole autistic Barbie thing...I mean, I get what they're trying to do, but are we really ready for dolls that look like they've got a stim toy stuck in their ear? 
It's one thing to have realistic representation, but is it really necessary to go full-on neurodiverse with the accessories and design elements? Plus, what about all the other kids who don't fit into this mold? Are they just gonna be left out in the cold? 
I'm not saying it can't be a good thing, but let's not forget that there are still so many more important issues to tackle before we start making dolls with "authentic experiences" for everyone... 
. I mean, it's about time they joined the 21st century and stopped being so...basic 
. An autistic Barbie is about due for this. It's like, come on, people have been asking for more diverse characters in dolls for ages! And yes, it's great that they collaborated with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network to get it right 
. And who knows, maybe this will inspire more companies to follow suit? A girl can dream 
! This new autistic Barbie doll is a great step forward, especially since they worked with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network to get it right. I'm all for more diverse dolls that show kids there's nothing wrong with being different 
gotta give it up for the team behind this collab 
. But seriously, it's about time Mattel got on board with representation. I've been playing with these dolls since I was a kid and it's always felt like I was stuck in a world that didn't quite fit me.
. Autism needs to be normalized, especially for autistic girls who are often left out of conversations around this topic 
I think this is a total game changer for kids who might be feeling like they don't fit in or can't relate to the dolls that are currently out there! It's awesome that Mattel is taking steps to make sure everyone has a doll that looks and feels like them 