Mattel Inc. is launching its first autistic Barbie on Monday, expanding its Fashionistas line that already showcases dolls with Down syndrome, vitiligo, blindness, hearing aids and prosthetic limbs.
At a Glance
- The doll was developed over 18 months with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network
- Details include a side-ways gaze, articulated joints for stimming motions, and sensory-friendly clothing
- Accessories include noise-canceling headphones, a fidget spinner, and a tablet for non-verbal communication
- Why it matters: Representation of the 1 in 31 U.S. children identified with autism, especially girls and children of color
The toymaker partnered with the nonprofit Autistic Self Advocacy Network to ensure the doll reflected real traits of autistic individuals, according to a Mattel release.
Design Details
Noor Pervez, the network’s community engagement manager, said capturing autism’s wide spectrum required subtle cues because “autism doesn’t look any one way.”
The Barbie’s eyes shift slightly to the side to mirror how some autistic people avoid direct eye contact. Jointed elbows and wrists allow the doll to mimic stimming motions such as hand flapping, used to regulate sensory input or express excitement.
Clothing choices balanced sensory sensitivities. Some autistic people prefer loose fabric to avoid seam irritation, while others favor compression garments to enhance body awareness. The final outfit is an A-line dress with short sleeves and a flowy skirt that limits skin contact, plus flat shoes for stability.
Each doll ships with a pink finger-clip fidget spinner, noise-canceling headphones, and a pink tablet modeled on devices that help non-verbal autistic users communicate.
Broader Representation
The autistic Barbie’s face was inspired by Indian women, addressing an underrepresented segment of the autistic community. Pervez emphasized that South Asian women with autism are rarely visible in media or advocacy.
Mattel’s 2023 Fashionistas collection already includes dolls with Down syndrome, Type 1 diabetes, prosthetic limbs and hearing aids, alongside varied body types, skin tones and hair textures. The company says its goal is to mirror the world children see and expand the possibilities they imagine, according to Jamie Cygigelman, Mattel’s global head of dolls.
Availability and Price
The doll hits Mattel’s online shop and Target stores Monday at a suggested retail price of $11.87. Walmart will stock the figure starting in March.
Federal data show about 1 in 31 U.S. 8-year-olds are identified with autism. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes higher diagnosis rates among Black, Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islander children compared with white children, and prevalence more than three times higher among boys than girls.
