Mattel releases 1st Barbie doll with autism
Digest more
Developed over more than 18 months, the doll was created in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a nonprofit disability rights organization run by and for autistic people. The doll joins the Barbie Fashionistas line,
NEW YORK (AP) — Mattel Inc. is introducing an autistic Barbie on Monday as the newest member of its line intended to celebrate diversity, joining a collection that already includes Barbies with Down syndrome, a blind Barbie, a Barbie and a Ken with vitiligo, and other models the toymaker added to make its fashion dolls more inclusive.
Mattel recently released an autistic Barbie, and transphobes are freaking out about the doll “promoting gender identity” because it comes with a small plastic e-tablet accessory that has the word “pronouns” printed on it.
Mattel, Inc. unveiled today its first-ever autistic Barbie doll created with guidance from the autistic community
Barbie has taken a meaningful step in representation with the release of the Barbie Fashionistas Doll #245 in Purple Striped Dress, Autistic Barbie, now in stock at Target.
The doll features a gaze that is shifted slightly to the side, to “[reflect] how some members of the autistic community may avoid direct eye contact.”