Mattel has unveiled the first-ever Barbie explicitly created for children with autism. The doll was developed in collaboration with the American charity, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, to illustrate how children with autism perceive the world, process information, and interact with their environment.
According to The Guardian, Barbie has flexible joints adapted to repetitive movements – a characteristic feature of many people with autism. The entire image is designed to avoid discomfort while also helping other children better understand neurodiversity.
The new doll also received a whole set of thoughtful accessories. Among them are a spinner-antistress to help reduce anxiety, noise-canceling headphones to protect against sensory overload, and a special tablet with alternative and augmentative communication buttons to simplify everyday communication.
Mattel emphasized that the new doll was created so that as many children as possible could recognize themselves in the toys they play with, as well as to help other children better understand the diversity of the world and its people.