Embracing Diversity: Mattel's Bold Move with Autistic Barbie
In an exciting development, Mattel Inc. is set to launch an autistic Barbie doll, joining its diverse and inclusive collection. This move is a powerful statement, aiming to celebrate and represent the autism community.
The Journey to Creating an Autistic Barbie
Mattel has dedicated over a year and a half to this project, collaborating with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, a nonprofit organization. The goal was to create a Barbie that authentically portrays the unique experiences of autistic individuals. Noor Pervez, the community engagement manager at ASAN, played a crucial role in this process.
Challenges and Considerations
Autism presents a wide range of behaviors and challenges, making it a complex condition to represent. Many associated traits are not immediately visible, adding to the difficulty. Pervez emphasizes that autism doesn't have a single appearance, but they aimed to showcase some of its expressions.
For instance, the new Barbie's eyes shift slightly to the side, reflecting the tendency of some autistic individuals to avoid direct eye contact. The doll also features articulated elbows and wrists, acknowledging stimming and other gestures used to process sensory information.
Design Decisions: A Balancing Act
The development team faced a dilemma when choosing the doll's outfit. Some autistic individuals prefer loose clothing due to sensitivity to fabric seams, while others opt for tight-fitting garments for a sense of body awareness. Ultimately, they settled on an A-line dress with short sleeves and a flowy skirt, minimizing fabric-to-skin contact. Flat shoes were chosen to promote stability and ease of movement.
Inclusion and Representation
The addition of the autistic Barbie also led Mattel to create a doll with facial features inspired by its Indian employees and mood boards reflecting women with Indian backgrounds. Pervez highlights the importance of representing an underrepresented segment of the autistic community.
Mattel's Commitment to Diversity
Mattel has been dedicated to diversity and inclusion, introducing dolls with Down syndrome, Type 1 diabetes, and various body types and abilities. Jamie Cygielman, Mattel's global head of dolls, emphasizes their commitment to reflecting the world children see and the possibilities they imagine.
Availability and Impact
The autistic Barbie is available at Mattel's online shop and Target stores, with a suggested retail price of $11.87. Walmart is expected to carry the doll in March. This initiative is significant, especially considering the CDC's report that 1 in 31 8-year-old children in the U.S. are estimated to have autism, with a higher prevalence among boys and children of color.
Thoughts and Discussions
What are your thoughts on Mattel's autistic Barbie? Do you think it's a step towards better representation and awareness? Share your opinions and let's spark a conversation in the comments!
