Mattel has launched its first Barbie doll with autism.
Photo: Barbie/Instagram
On Instagram, Barbie proudly announced its partnership with Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) in revealing the first-ever autistic Barbie.
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“As part of the Barbie Fashionistas collection, this doll invites more children to see themselves represented in Barbie, and helps us all understand the many ways we each can experience the world,” the caption read.
According to the post, the autistic Barbie doll represents experiences that people on the autism spectrum may identify with, including features such as elbow and wrist articulation, a shifted gaze, a fidget spinner and noise-cancelling headphones that reduce stress and sensory overload, and an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tablet. The autistic Barbie dolls are also dressed in sensory-sensitive clothing.
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects one’s way of communicating, learning, and interacting with others. It is not a disease or an illness, but a lifelong condition that varies from person to person.
In recent years, Mattel has introduced a blind Barbie doll, one with Down syndrome, and another one with type 1 diabetes. This marks a significant step toward greater diversity and inclusion in its current toy lineup.
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“With Barbie, everyone belongs. Barbie Fashionistas are always expanding the world of play possibilities for kids,” Barbie wrote in another post. “Featuring dolls with a variety of skin tones, hair textures, body types, disabilities, and fashions, kids can play out even more stories that reflect themselves and the world around them.”
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