Mattel, the company that makes Barbie dolls, has released a new Barbie designed to represent people who have autism. The doll is meant to help autistic people see themselves represented in a popular children’s toy. The doll could also help others understand some of the ways autistic people may experience the world.
Autism is a brain condition that affects roughly 1 out of every 31 people in the US. Autism affects people in different ways.
People with autism often have a hard time talking with others or understanding social situations. They may also be very sensitive to sights, sounds, and touch. They might enjoy doing certain things over and over again, like rocking back and forth or flapping their hands.
Autism isn’t a condition you can see. But the autistic Barbie has a few special features to represent some ways autistic people may experience the world. The doll’s eyes are turned slightly to the side. This is meant to show that some autistic people avoid looking directly at others’ eyes.
The doll wears a loose-fitting dress, since some autistic people don’t like the way clothing seams feel against their skin. The Barbie’s elbows and wrists can bend, allowing it to be posed in ways that might represent autistic behaviors, like flapping.
The autistic Barbie wears a loose fitting dress and comes with several add-ons, like a fidget spinner and a communication tablet. Fidget spinners can help people focus and feel calmer. Some people with autism use tablets since tapping on images allows them to communicate. (Source: Mattel.)
The Barbie also comes with a tablet computer. Its screen show symbols that represent words. Some people with autism have a hard time speaking or telling others what they need. Tapping on pictures on a tablet is one way these people can communicate.
Colin Killick, who leads ASAN, said, “It is so important for young autistic people to see authentic [real], joyful representations of themselves, and that’s exactly what this doll is.”
Mattel’s Fashionistas Barbies show a wide range of different kinds of people. The collection already includes people of different heights, weights, and skin colors. Some have hearing aids; others have prosthetic legs. In 2023, Mattel created a Barbie with Down syndrome (above). (Source: Mattel.)
Mattel is working with several well-known autistic people to promote the new Barbie. One of these is Madison Marilla, who’s on a Netflix show about autistic people. The group also includes Precious and Mikko Mirage, a mother and daughter with autism who make videos on the internet.
Precious Mirage says she hopes the Barbie “helps bridge the gap” between autistic people and others, and gives autistic people the feeling that they belong.
Source: News for Kids
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