Social media users are praising Mattel for its 'accurate and real' new Barbie doll representing autism.
The US toy manufacturer unveiled the first-of-its-kind doll on Sunday (January 11) as it hit the shelves globally on Monday (January 12).
The autistic Barbie was developed over 18 months with guidance from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Mattel said.
The doll features moveable elbows and wrists, allowing for stimming, hand flapping and other gestures, as well as an eye gaze shifted slightly to one side.
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Each doll comes with a pink finger clip fidget spinner, noise-cancelling headphones and a tablet - items people with autism may use to help improve focus and reduce stress.
She also sports a loose-fitting, purple pinstripe dress with short sleeves and a flowy skirt, for comfort.
Around one in 31 eight-year-old American children have been identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), according to estimates from the CDC's ADDM Network.
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As per Mayo Clinic, ASD affects brain development and influences how people perceive others and interact socially. It can impact communication and social relationships, and often involves repetitive or restricted patterns of behavior.
However, Mayo Clinic notes that each child with autism spectrum disorder is likely to have a unique pattern of behavior that depends on whether symptoms are mild, moderate or severe.
Jamie Cygielman, global head of dolls at Mattel said: “Barbie has always strived to reflect the world kids see and the possibilities they imagine, and we’re proud to introduce our first autistic Barbie as part of that ongoing work.
"The doll, designed with guidance from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, helps to expand what inclusion looks like in the toy aisle and beyond because every child deserves to see themselves in Barbie."
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People have since taken to social media to share their thoughts on the new Barbie doll, with mostly positive reaction.
One X, formerly Twitter, user celebrated: "They made an autistic barbie and she's looking at the ground (accurate and real)."
"Fair play, for such a massive company, it’s lush to see how hard @Barbie are working to make dolls that represent a wide variety of kids," a second said.
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"Their new one has accessories that autistic children often use. That’s such a big deal, when they’re often othered in social settings."
On the doll's flexible wrists and elbows, a third wrote: "This is 100% my favourite feature, this is such a clever idea," with three crying-age emojis.
It received a similar reception over on Reddit, as one person in the R/Barbie subreddit commented: "I literally let out a squeal of excitement when I saw this post!"
Another said: "I want this so bad for my daughter."
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Not everyone was a fan of the doll's fashion sense, though.
"She's cute. Dress is meh but I like her," one wrote, as a second agreed: "Can’t the doll have cool basics?"
A third weighed in: "Yeah the stripes are overwhelming to look at."
The release of autistic Barbie comes fives months after the release of type 1 diabetes Barbie, and after the down syndrome Barbie in 2024 and blindness Barbie in 2023.
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They're all part of the inclusive Fashionista line, which 'boasts over 175+ looks,' Mattel says - so if you don't like the dress, you can always switch it up!
Mattel said the line also helps 'children better understand the world around them by encouraging doll play outside of a child’s own lived experience.'
Topics: Barbie, Social Media, World News, Mental Health, US News
Ellie Kemp