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Autistic Barbie

TheCatWoman

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.

Parents

  • My partner asked me about this and initially I didn't like it and my instinct was to reject it - not every autistic person wears big headphones, uses a tablet, wears bright colours but I discussed it a bit more and think that ultimately, they are trying, they have made the effort and if a child out there or even an adult feels represented by this Barbie then it's a good thing. 

    Looking a bit further into it, it was created in collaboration with an US Autism charity (not Autism Speaks thankfully) and I think this video really put into perspective for me. The first lady, Madison is on Love on the Spectrum and she collects dolls. 

    Is autistic barbie perfect? No, but they're trying and I'm sure many will relate to her. 

  • in reply to illustrated.lady

    I was thinking maybe it would be nice if they did a little range of them representing different presentations on the spectrum and they could perhaps come with little stories about the doll. Showing that the spectrum varies.

  • in reply to Expecto_Patronum

    That would be nice actually, along with other ND ones and be a good talking point for understanding others. 

    I was thinking too, as autism was always a stereotypical male, having an autistic Barbie helps bring more awareness that girls get it too?

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