Mattel launches Barbie doll with diabetes to foster inclusion, empathy among children
The new doll wears a CGM — a small device that continuously measures a person’s blood sugar — on her arm to help manage her condition.
In a win for diversity, Mattel has introduced the first doll with autism from its Barbie brand of toys. The doll, which comes with a number of special features and accessories, was developed over 18 months in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.
Mattel announced the launch of the doll with a press release on Tuesday as part of its Barbie Fashionistas line of toys, which includes dolls of different skin tones, body shapes and dolls with medical conditions like diabetes and down syndrome.
The company’s global head of dolls, Jamie Cygielman, said, “Barbie has always strived to reflect the world kids see and the possibilities they imagine, and we’re proud to introduce our first autistic Barbie as part of that ongoing work. The doll, designed with guidance from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, helps to expand what inclusion looks like in the toy aisle and beyond because every child deserves to see themselves in Barbie.“
The doll itself has additional joints in its wrists and elbows to allow it to make gestures like stimming and hand-flapping, which many members of the autistic community use to process sensory stimuli and express excitement.
It comes with a fidget spinner, noise-cancelling headphones and a tablet with various autism-friendly applications as accessories. The dress, too, a loose-fitting dress with short sleeves and a flowy skirt, is meant to provide minimal fabric-to-skin contact in line with the preferences of many people with autism.
A research study commissioned by Barbie at Cardiff University found that playing with dolls activates parts of children‘s brains associated with empathy and social processing skills, according to the brand’s statement. Recent research, it said, supports the notion that doll play helps children — including those with neurodivergent traits — develop social skills.
To celebrate the launch of the new doll, Barbie is donating 1,000 units to pediatric hospitals that provide specialised care for children with autism. The dolls are available for purchase on the brand’s website and at major international retailers.
Cover photo: Mattel