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Autistic Barbie joins Mattel diversity and inclusion line
Fox ^ | 1-12-26 | Stephen Sorace

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 ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Chit/Chat; Society; Weird Stuff
KEYWORDS: autards; autistic; barbie; mattel; woke
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To: HamiltonJay

I’m very high functioning Autistic.


61 posted on 01/13/2026 11:33:37 AM PST by cowboyusa (YESHUA IS KING OF AMERICA AND HE WILLL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE HIM!)
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To: rdcbn1

Apparently so.


62 posted on 01/13/2026 1:48:13 PM PST by No name given ( Anonymous is who you’ll know me as )
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To: GingisK

I’m surprised that hasn’t happened yet.


63 posted on 01/13/2026 1:49:05 PM PST by No name given ( Anonymous is who you’ll know me as )
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To: Albion Wilde

I think you’re on a roll, here.


64 posted on 01/13/2026 10:01:02 PM PST by Noumenon (They killed the guy who just wanted to talk. Now... now they've got me. KTF)
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To: Lazamataz

Hey I read a review page last week and guess who’s Ibook pops up?

LAZ is a famous writer! Sorry I didnt keep the source. I had to tell one of my buddies that ‘I know that guy. REALLY’!


65 posted on 01/14/2026 9:28:02 AM PST by Delta 21 (None of us are descendants of fearful men!)
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