Barbie Breaks Ground with First Doll on the Autism Spectrum

A new Barbie doll designed for children on the autism spectrum was launched on March 25, 2024, capturing the attention and excitement of families across the globe. This groundbreaking doll features elements such as a pink fidget spinner, oversized noise-cancelling headphones, and an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device, making it the first Barbie to authentically represent autism.

Five-year-old Mikko from Las Vegas was among the first children to experience the joy of this new doll. Her mother, Precious Hill, described the moment as “almost magical.” Hill noted that the doll closely resembles Mikko’s own sensory tools, which include a fidget spinner and a communication device that aids her nonverbal expression. “Seeing autism represented through Barbie, a figure everyone knows, feels really good,” Hill stated. “It’s important that Mikko walks through life with representation. It matters that she knows she’s not alone.”

The doll’s design intentionally reflects characteristics often seen in individuals with autism. For instance, the doll’s gaze is slightly off-center to mimic the tendency some people with autism have to avoid direct eye contact. The flowy, loose-fitting dress is also a nod to the tactile preferences of many individuals on the spectrum, who may prefer not to have fabric touching their skin.

Mattel collaborated with the nonprofit organization Autistic Self Advocacy Network to ensure the doll’s design was authentic and meaningful for the autism community. According to Colin Killick, executive director of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, “It is so important for young autistic people to see authentic, joyful representations of themselves.” The introduction of the doll aims to reflect the approximately 1 in 31 children diagnosed with autism by age eight in the United States.

The doll is part of Mattel’s Fashionistas collection, which already includes dolls representing a diverse array of skin tones, hair textures, body shapes, and various health conditions, including Down syndrome, blindness, and type 1 diabetes. Hill emphasized the significance of this representation for families like hers. She expressed hope that the new doll would resonate with other families navigating similar experiences.

Both Hill and her son Matthew, who is also autistic, were thrilled to see the doll. Hill shared that her own autism diagnosis came later in life, only after her daughter was diagnosed. “I didn’t know that I was autistic growing up,” she recalled. “It was only through Mikko’s diagnosis that I recognized my own experiences mirrored hers.”

Another advocate for autism awareness, Eileen Lamb from Austin, Texas, echoed Hill’s sentiments. Lamb, who works as the senior director of social media and marketing at Autism Speaks, noted that she too was diagnosed as an adult after her son received a diagnosis. “Autism can look different in girls, and the fact that Barbie is a girl is powerful,” she remarked. “It opens up a conversation about autism that feels more approachable.”

While advocates acknowledge that one doll cannot represent the entirety of the autism spectrum, they celebrate the introduction of tools such as the fidget spinner and AAC device that can aid communication. Lamb highlighted the importance of representation in toys, stating, “It sends a message that being different is nothing to be ashamed of.”

As autism awareness continues to grow, the release of this Barbie doll stands as a significant step towards inclusivity and representation for children on the spectrum. Families are hopeful that such initiatives will foster understanding and acceptance, ensuring that children like Mikko can see themselves reflected in the toys they cherish.