Outline:
A New Addition to the Barbie Collection
Earlier this week, Mattel introduced a groundbreaking addition to its Fashionistas collection: the first ever autistic Barbie. This new doll was developed in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, aiming to bring more diversity and representation to children’s play. Every detail, from her outfit to her accessories and even her joints, was designed with input from real autistic individuals.
Personal Reflections on the Autistic Barbie
While this development is significant, it doesn’t fully represent my experience as an autistic person. For instance, the doll comes with an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device, which is a tool used by non- or minimally speaking individuals. However, my preferred method of communication is writing on my laptop, where I can be quite talkative when given the chance.
Additionally, the doll wears noise-cancelling earmuffs to help manage sensory overload, but for me, the sensation of these against my ears often causes more dysregulation than relief. Her eyes are slightly off to one side to reflect the common trait of not making eye contact due to discomfort. In contrast, I have a tendency to make too much eye contact, sometimes appearing to stare through people’s souls.
The doll’s articulated wrists and elbows allow her to flap her hands, while I tend to stim by twirling my hair. Her dress is loose-fitting to reduce fabric-to-skin contact, whereas I find fitness compression gear more soothing. She is brown, and I am white.
Despite these differences, I believe this doll is a positive step forward. The autism spectrum includes a wide range of abilities and support needs, along with every race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and class. No single character or toy can represent all of us, but this doll has the potential to open windows into other autistic experiences and expand public understanding.
Diverse Reactions Within the Autistic Community
My perspective on the Autistic Barbie is not universal within the autistic community. Many autistic individuals are thrilled about this development, while others don’t care at all. However, there are also concerns about how this doll might impact real-life perceptions of autism. Some autistic people who pride themselves on not fitting stereotypes may not want to be associated with someone who appears more visibly autistic.
There is also criticism from some parents who feel the doll doesn’t accurately represent the challenges of autism. While autistic life is not easy, it’s important to remember that our lives are more than just our struggles. Children should not be reminded of their hardships while playing.
Concerns About Representation
One of the main arguments against the Autistic Barbie is that branding a specific doll with certain traits could influence how people perceive autism. This could lead to children who don’t use ear guards or AAC devices being overlooked. While this may seem extreme, pop culture has had a significant impact on our lives. For decades, many autistic individuals were overlooked, like those not resembling Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man.
However, this doll could potentially expand people’s understanding of what autism looks like. Outside of characters like Paulo from Carl the Collector, there aren’t many examples of AAC users in media. The majority of autistic representation is still very white, so this doll brings attention to underserved aspects of autism.
Another concern is that autism doesn’t have a specific look, and any Barbie could be autistic. This argument stems from a misunderstanding of autism and children’s creativity. While autism doesn’t have one look, some traits are visible, and they deserve to be part of the world and play.
The Role of Imagination in Play
Children have been imagining Barbies as autistic for as long as autistic kids have played with them. Even without the words for it, I was doing this as an undiagnosed child. I used my dolls as makeshift support tools, realizing that chewing on their feet calmed me down during loud sounds.
I believe children will continue to imagine their Barbies as autistic, just as they might give Astronaut Barbie a turn with the scalpel or recognize that both a doll and an uncle can share the same profession.
The Impact of Mass-Market Toys
Critics argue that a mass-market toy cannot bring about meaningful change for a marginalized population. While it’s true that real-life policies and accommodations are essential, toys can still help people see us as part of the world. Children who play with a little pink plastic AAC device might view real-life counterparts as part of normal life, reducing stigma around flapping or using AAC devices.
These small steps matter, especially when the U.S. government paints a different picture of autistic children. I prefer a market for a product that represents no such things over the alternative. When leaders speak negatively about autism, having a doll that can be anything those children imagine is a positive step.