Autism advocates celebrate release of 'magical' first-ever Barbie on the spectrum
KSL.com • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Mattel has launched the first Barbie doll with autism, featuring accessories like a pink fidget spinner, noise-cancelling headphones, and an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device to represent tools used by some autistic individuals.
- The doll's design includes details such as a gaze that shifts to the side and loose-fitting clothing to reflect sensory preferences and behaviors common among people with autism.
- The doll was developed in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network to authentically represent the autistic community and aims to provide representation for the approximately 1 in 31 children diagnosed with autism in the U.S. by age 8.
- Mothers diagnosed with autism later in life, like Precious Hill and Eileen Lamb, emphasize the importance of representation and
