Mattel adds an autistic Barbie to its diversity and inclusion line

Mattel introduced an autistic Barbie as part of a line focused on diversity and inclusion, developed with input from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. The doll includes features such as slightly averted eyes and articulated elbows and wrists intended to reflect some behaviors associated with autism.

Mattel has added an autistic Barbie to a doll line devoted to diversity and inclusion. The company worked with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network on the prototype. Noor Pervez, the network's community engagement manager, said autism encompasses a broad range of behaviors and many traits are not immediately visible. Pervez said the project aimed to show some ways autism can express itself. Design details: - The doll's eyes shift slightly to the side, intended to represent how some autistic people sometimes avoid direct eye contact. - The doll was given articulated elbows and wrists to acknowledge stimming, hand flapping and other gestures some autistic people use to process sensory information or to express excitement, according to Mattel. - Noor Pervez worked closely with Mattel on the Barbie prototype and emphasized that autism does not look only one way. - The doll is part of a broader collection the company says is focused on representing diversity and inclusion. Summary: The addition extends the company's diversity and inclusion range by including a doll designed to reflect some behaviors associated with autism. Undetermined at this time.