Mattel autistic Barbie doll aims to boost representation and inclusion

Mattel Inc. has unveiled its first-ever autistic Barbie doll, a move autism advocates say marks an important step toward meaningful representation in children’s toys.

The doll was developed in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network after more than 18 months of consultation and design work. 

Advocates say the goal was not only to help autistic children see themselves reflected in Barbie, but also to normalize autism for non-autistic children at an early age.

“We want people to kind of get an early reinforcer,” said Noor Pervez, ASAN’s community engagement manager to CBC News. 

“And to be able to pass down to their kids this early reminder that autistic people are a normal and valuable part of our communities.”

Pervez said advocates played a key role in shaping the doll’s features. The Barbie’s eyes shift slightly to the side to reflect how some autistic people avoid direct eye contact. 

The doll also has movable elbows and wrists to acknowledge stimming behaviors such as hand flapping, which some autistic people use to regulate sensory input or express excitement.

According to Mattel, the doll includes a fidget spinner for sensory support. The development team also carefully considered clothing choices. 

Pervez said the group debated tight versus loose-fitting garments and ultimately chose looser clothing and flat shoes to reduce sensory discomfort and support body awareness.

The Barbie also comes with a tablet to represent non-speaking autistic people. 

Pervez said the team intentionally designed the doll as an autistic woman of colour, noting that those groups are often underdiagnosed or misidentified.