Autistic Barbie Doesn’t Represent Me. She Shouldn’t Have to

by

Mattel recently introduced the first Barbie specifically designed to represent autism. This new doll, part of the Fashionistas line which focuses on inclusivity, was created with direct feedback from autistic individuals and the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Every detail, including her clothes, accessories, and even how she moves, was thoughtfully considered with autistic input.

Autistic Barbie doesn’t really represent me as an autistic person.

Let me explain all the ways this doll represents me. She uses a communication device since she doesn’t speak much, and I prefer typing – I can talk a lot when I’m comfortable! She wears noise-cancelling headphones to avoid being overwhelmed, but I actually find the feeling of headphones irritating. Her eyes are positioned slightly to the side because many autistic people, myself included, find eye contact uncomfortable and don’t get much useful information from it. As a child, I was told to make eye contact, and now I sometimes make too much, almost staring at people. The doll’s arms and legs move so she can flap her hands – I tend to twirl my hair when I need to stim. Her dress is loose because some people dislike the feeling of fabric on their skin, while I actually find tight compression clothing calming. Finally, she has a different skin tone than me – she’s brown and I’m white.

Honestly, I think this is a positive step. Autism affects people in many different ways, and autistic individuals come from all backgrounds. No single character or toy could possibly represent everyone on the spectrum. While we still need better representation, and many autistic people feel unseen, it’s important to remember that most existing characters don’t look like me. For me, good representation isn’t just about seeing myself reflected in media; it’s about seeing a variety of autistic experiences that can help all of us understand each other, and maybe even help others understand us. This doll has the potential to do just that.

Not everyone in the autistic community feels the same way about the new autistic Barbie. While many autistic people are happy about it, and others don’t have strong feelings either way, some are worried about how it might affect how people see autism in real life. I think some autistic people who don’t fit typical stereotypes don’t want to be linked to someone who is more visibly autistic. I also disagree with some parents who are upset the doll doesn’t show the challenges of autism. Life with autism isn’t easy, but it’s important to remember there’s more to us than just our struggles, and children shouldn’t be reminded of potential hardships while they’re playing.

Many people worry that giving Barbie autism and specific features like hearing protection and a communication device could shape how others understand autism. They fear children who don’t use those tools might be overlooked or not receive the support they need. While this might seem strange, media often strongly influences our perceptions. For years, people who didn’t fit the stereotypical portrayal of autism, like the character in the movie Rain Man, were often missed. I was one of them. However, times have changed, and this doll won’t be the only example of autism people see. Girls who don’t resemble this Barbie can still connect with other autistic characters, like Julia from Sesame Street. In fact, this Barbie could actually broaden understanding of what autism looks like. We rarely see characters who use communication devices like this Barbie, especially outside of Paulo from Carl the Collector. Most portrayals of autism also tend to focus on white characters. This Barbie isn’t reinforcing a common idea of autism; instead, she’s bringing attention to autistic people who are often underrepresented.

A common argument against an autistic Barbie is that autism doesn’t have a single appearance, meaning any Barbie could represent someone on the spectrum. The worry is that creating one Barbie with clearly visible autistic traits might limit children’s imaginations, making them think autistic people all look the same. However, this stems from a misunderstanding of both autism and how children think. Autism presents differently in everyone, and many characteristics aren’t obvious. But for those who do have visible traits or use tools to help them, those aspects deserve to be represented and included in toys and play.

The beauty of Barbie has always been about imagination, and that includes recognizing that not everyone looks the same, even when represented by a single doll. Kids understand that not all doctors are like Doctor Barbie, and they’ve been happily assigning different roles and characteristics to their Barbies for generations – even giving them disabilities or neurodivergent traits. As an autistic child in the 80s, I remember using my dolls to help manage my sensory sensitivities, and I know other kids have done the same. I’m confident this will continue, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Barbies incorporating things like ear defenders and communication devices, just as they already use stethoscopes and sports equipment in kids’ imaginative play.

I’ve been seeing a lot of discussion about this doll, and one criticism really stuck with me: can a toy really make a difference for autistic people? And honestly, it’s a fair point. A company making a profit isn’t the same as actually changing things with laws and support systems. But I think autistic representation, even in small ways, matters. If kids play with a doll that uses an AAC device, or even acts autistic – like, say, stims – it could help them see autistic people as just… normal. Maybe they’ll be less likely to stare or avoid someone who’s flapping their hands if their Barbie does it too. It’s not a solution, but it’s a start, and representation can be powerful.

Even small steps forward are important. Considering the U.S. government is currently portraying autistic children in a negative light – much like the recent autistic Barbie – I’d rather see even corporate involvement that understands autism than the harmful narratives being spread. With the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., claiming autism “destroys families” and is a personal tragedy, it’s reassuring to see a product that doesn’t reinforce those ideas. And while he focuses on what autistic children supposedly can’t achieve, it’s wonderful that this doll allows them to imagine endless possibilities.

Read More

2026-01-16 01:08