Posted on 01/13/2026 6:51:24 AM PST by dynachrome
Mattel is expanding its push for inclusion with the launch of its first autistic Barbie, developed in partnership with autism advocates to reflect how some people on the spectrum experience the world.
Mattel spent more than 18 months developing the autistic Barbie in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), a nonprofit that works to advance the rights and media representation of autistic people. The aim, the company said, was to design a doll that reflects some of the ways autistic individuals experience and navigate the world around them.
The doll includes articulated elbows and wrists to allow for movements such as hand flapping and other gestures often used for sensory regulation or expression.
The doll’s eyes are positioned with a slightly averted gaze, reflecting how some people on the autism spectrum may avoid direct eye contact. Accessories include a pink finger-clip fidget spinner that spins, pink noise-canceling headphones designed to reduce sensory overload, and a pink tablet displaying symbol-based Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps used to support communication.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxbusiness.com ...
It should be.
Meth Barbie?
Anorexia Barbie?
Bulimic Barbie?
Self-cutting Barbie?
Might as well go the whole route and “celebrate” every mental health issue.
Given autism is defined by behavior not physical appearance how the hell do you know this doll is autistic vs the doll next to it that is not?
I am not trying to be rude, I am not against a kid having a doll that reflects them if they desire it... but this one, I’m just not following.
Barbie barely is able to move at all, basically the kids dress them up and pretend they are whatever they want her to be... Mattel has made a mint off of her... but this one I just don’t get.
Now I admit I do not have an autistic child, I do have a few friends that do, so I would be curious what they think about this. However, I’ll be honest, I am just not seeing it.
Trans Barbie? With a detachable package and a Bud Light?
Lots of stories cause that reaction.
A sign of the times.
I don’t think it’s us just getting older. Maybe a little bit, but the stuff they’re doing today is idiotic.
It makes no business sense, is unnatural, unhealthy, immoral, culturally inconsistent with our values. It’s not sustainable. Weird times.
How many of these dolls does Mattel hope to sell? What does the market look like for fat autistic Barbie with a weird gaze?
We live in times where even in corporate America any trash idiology (just dumb stuff) supercedes what’s best for the business owner, long term market share or revenue, it’s employees, or investors.
If I were a CEO of Mattel, I would literally find out who is behind this, and fire them, or reassign them to some mundane job where they can’t harm the organization (if they are a loyal idiot).
Things are surreal.
Meanwhile autistic Ken is on his way to Mars in a spaceship.
Plenty of Barbies at the White House and on Fox News IMHO.
How about Road Rage Barbie?
Flame thrower Barbie. Oh, that was a stock Barbie where one of my friends stole and used WD40 and a lighter on his sister’s Barbies. Don’t worry, she had many, many spares.
I missed that one.
Those are all great. Did you ever think of working as a marketing advisor to Mattel?
I have a feeling that they wouldn’t be as receptive to my suggestions as you are, though “Colostomy Bag Barbie” might be on the table given their current direction.
It’s just hilariously funny to me, and I’m not making fun of autistic people. How would you return a doll to the store and tell the clerk that you are returning the doll because it didn’t have the mental issues you thought it was going to have? :)
Will Retard Barbie have her own pink Malibu Short Bus?
Oooh, one more idea just popped into my head: “Flying Barbie” (results depend upon the arm strength of the child).
Was Jasmine the model?
Dead anti-ICE terrorist model?
BK-1000 Barbie
Waffle House chair thrower Barbie
Sanctimonious Pit Bull Owner Barbie
Learing Center teacher Barbie
(Intact) Transwoman Barbie
“MAGA look” Barbie
NRA Momma Barbie
Reality is so warped that satire is impossible.
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