"Mattel said she was developed over an 18-month period "with guidance from the autistic community to represent common ways autistic people may experience, process, and communicate about the world around them." The brand worked with the ASAN, a non-profit disability rights organization run by and for autistic people. Because the autism spectrum is wide and includes a variety of experiences, the doll has a few unique features and accessories to create the most authentic representation possible."
"Her gaze is shifted slightly to the side to reflect how some people with autism may avoid eye contact. And because no Barbie is complete without the right accessories, this doll comes with some important ones: a pink fidget spinner (yes, it really spins) to use for stress reduction and focus, noise-canceling headphones to reduce her sensory overload, and a tablet with symbol-based Augmentative and Alternative Communication apps (AAC) on its screen to help her communicate."
Mattel introduced its first autistic Barbie, developed over an 18-month period with guidance from the autistic community and in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). The doll includes articulated wrists and elbows to enable stimming and hand gestures, and a slightly averted gaze to reflect eye-contact differences. Accessories include a functional pink fidget spinner, noise-canceling headphones, and a tablet displaying symbol-based AAC apps. The outfit features a loose-fitting dress and flat-soled shoes to reduce sensory contact and promote stability. The doll joins the Fashionistas line that offers varied skin tones, body types, and other differences to increase representation.
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