They've just launched autistic Barbie, with pink noise cancelling headphones, tablet and clothes that don't irritate the skin and other features.
Do you find it good, bad or indifferent?
I'm not sure what to think, on the one hand anything that makes people feel included and to have toys that "look like them" is a good thing, but on the other it seems a cynical marketing ploy.
I think it’s decent. Obviously there can’t be a universal representation of autism since it’s very different for everyone, and since the doll isn’t alive you can’t see its social communication skills and RRBs (but an AAC device and fidget spinner do show that in a way). If someone wanted it who doesn’t use ear defenders for example then they can just not use that part 
It could also just open up conversation, like explain that the AAC is how some people communicate, then further that by explaining other ways people do (like sign language, sounds, gestures, idk). Same with the other parts.
Also the hands move which could make more stimming options I guess..
But either way there are going to be autistic people who do match the doll, so unless a portrayal is actually harmful then I don’t know why people try to say if things are bad/good rep (like in shows for ex, there just needs to be a range of rep not get rid of the stereotypical ones). The doll itself looks kinda meh so I would never buy it but I’m not a doll person so
I think it’s decent. Obviously there can’t be a universal representation of autism since it’s very different for everyone, and since the doll isn’t alive you can’t see its social communication skills and RRBs (but an AAC device and fidget spinner do show that in a way). If someone wanted it who doesn’t use ear defenders for example then they can just not use that part
It could also just open up conversation, like explain that the AAC is how some people communicate, then further that by explaining other ways people do (like sign language, sounds, gestures, idk). Same with the other parts.
Also the hands move which could make more stimming options I guess..
But either way there are going to be autistic people who do match the doll, so unless a portrayal is actually harmful then I don’t know why people try to say if things are bad/good rep (like in shows for ex, there just needs to be a range of rep not get rid of the stereotypical ones). The doll itself looks kinda meh so I would never buy it but I’m not a doll person so
