1/23

Breaking news: toy company Mattel came out with a new Barbie doll. This new doll was created in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, a nonprofit disability rights organization run by and for autistic people, that is now joining Mattel’s Barbie Fashionistas line. 

The Fashionistas collection features a wide range of skin tones, hair textures, body types and dolls representing various medical conditions and disabilities, since Mattel wanted to promote inclusion while fostering empathy, providing authentic representation for neurodivergent children, so children with autism can see themselves within their toys. In this new Barbie doll, there are articulated joints for stimming, flat shoes for stability, and a gaze that avoids direct eye contact.

Global head of dolls, Jamie Cygielman, had said in a statement, “Barbie has always strived to reflect the world kids see and the possibilities they imagine, and we are proud to introduce our first autistic Barbie as a part of ongoing work” She added, “The doll, designed with guidance from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, helps expand what inclusion looks like in the toy aisle and beyond because every child deserves to see themselves in Barbie.” 

Those interested in the doll can find her available on The Mattel Shop online, aa well as in stores such as Target and Walmart for $11.87. In response to this new release, many parents have expressed love for the idea of this doll, while others believed that Mattel had missed the mark with the concept of this idea to represent those with autism despite Mattel’s idea to include everyone.