American multinational toy manufacturing and entertainment company, Mattel has introduced its first autistic Barbie
Barbie and Ken figures with vitiligo. The company said the doll was developed over more than 18 months in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights and better media representation of autistic people. According to Mattel, the aim was to create a Barbie that reflects some of the ways autistic individuals may experience and process the world around them. Designing the doll posed challenges because autism covers a wide range of traits and behaviors, many of which are not immediately visible. Representatives from the advocacy network involved in the process emphasized that autism does not look the same for everyone, but that the doll attempts to highlight some common expressions. The new Barbie’s eyes are designed to shift slightly to the side, reflecting how some autistic people may avoid direct eye contact. The doll also features articulated elbows and wrists to acknowledge stimming behavio...