Backlash against first autistic Barbie for ‘reinforcing stereotypes’: Critics claim doll with fidget spinner, noise-cancelling headphones and side-gazing eyes is offensive
Mattel’s first autistic Barbie is facing backlash from critics who claim the doll is offensive to neurodiverse people and “reinforces stereotypes.”
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Developed in partnership with the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN), the new doll aims to represent some of the ways autistic people can experience, process and communicate about the world around them.
As well as a new facial sculpt, its features include elbow and wrist articulation that enable giggling, hand clapping and other hand movements that some members of the autistic community may use to ‘process sensory information or express excitement’.
Despite Mattel’s efforts, viewers expressed their dismay about the doll on social media, claiming that the doll featured “stereotypical features” associated with autism.
One wrote: ‘My nephew has been diagnosed with autism. How excited he will be when he finds out that he has to have “loose hands”.
Another said: ‘Heard this on the radio this morning with two autistic teenagers. They were stunned. The youngest were only bothered by the use of stereotypical characteristics. My kids are already tired of being told they can’t have ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) because they don’t fit the stereotype. This won’t help.”
‘Are your hands loose? “I’m sure autistic girls will be thrilled to know Barbie thinks they are this person,” said another.
The first autistic Barbie doll (pictured) is released; wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle fidget has moved past fidget) but some have suggested it is guilty of ‘reinforcing stereotypes’
A fourth wrote: ‘Nothing like reinforcing stereotypes. As someone who has many people on the autism spectrum in my family, I find this offensive.’
Another added: ‘A new Barbie doll who identifies as autistic. In my view, I support true representation, but this misses the mark.
‘Autism cannot be summed up in a few accessories. Reducing this to noise-cancelling headphones and fidget spinners risks reinforcing rather than challenging narrow stereotypes.
‘Inclusion should be about listening to autistic people, not packaging us up.’
The doll was designed with eye gaze slightly shifted to the side to reflect how some autistic people may avoid direct eye contact.
As well as noise-cancelling headphones and a tablet, the doll also holds a pink finger-clip fidget spinner that actually spins, offering ‘a sensory outlet that can help reduce stress and improve focus’.
Pink headphones are described as a useful fashion accessory that reduces ‘sensory overload’ by blocking out background noise.
The pink tablet displays symbol-based AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) on its screen, serving as a tool to aid in daily interactions.
The doll is holding a pink finger-clip fidget spinner that actually spins, offering ‘a sensory outlet that can help reduce stress and improve focus.’
The doll features special design options that aim to reflect some of the experiences that autistic people can relate to.
The doll is also said to be wearing a short-sleeved, loose-fitting, pinstriped A-line dress and a flowy skirt that allows the fabric to less come into contact with the skin.
Purple shoes complete the outfit with flat soles that increase stability and ease of movement.
This follows the company’s gradual expansion from the classic blonde Barbie to models with type 1 diabetes, Down syndrome and blindness.
As part of the doll launch, Mattel said Barbie has teamed up with advocates for the autistic community, including autistic and ADHD author and creator Ellie Middleton, who was diagnosed with both conditions at the age of 24.
Miss Middleton, who founded Unmasked and has an online audience of more than 300,000 people, said: ‘I am so touched to now have an autistic Barbie doll.
‘Statistics show that young girls are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed; ‘So having a powerful symbol like this autistic Barbie doll helps bring the debate about neurodivergence in women to the forefront, so autistic girls can feel accepted and seen.’
Colin Killick, ASAN Managing Director, added: ‘As proud members of the autism community, our ASAN team were thrilled to help create the first autistic Barbie doll.
‘It’s so important for young autistic people to see authentic, joyful representations of themselves, and this doll is exactly that.
Upset viewers took to X with their thoughts on the new Barbie doll, with some calling it ‘stereotypical’
‘Partnering with Barbie allowed us to share insight and guidance throughout the design process to ensure the doll fully represents and celebrates the autistic community, including tools that help us become independent.
‘We’re honored to see this milestone come to fruition and will continue to push for more representations like this that support our community to dream big and live proudly.’
The autistic Barbie doll is now available in retail for £13.99.
Peter Watt, General Manager of National Programs at the National Autistic Society, said: ‘Seeing more depictions of autism is key to understanding and accepting autism.
‘It’s really important that these representations are authentic and based on extensive consultation with autistic people, and we’re delighted that Mattel has involved the autistic community in the development of this doll.
‘Autism is a spectrum condition and each autistic person has a unique combination of characteristics.
‘It’s important to remember that autistic people can be very different from each other, with different strengths and challenges.
‘Seeing authentic representation of autism in television, films, art and games is positive because a better public understanding of autism across society could change the lives of hundreds of thousands of autistic people.’
