Mattel has unveiled an Autistic Barbie as part of its expanding range of inclusive dolls, aiming to better reflect neurodiversity and disability among children.
The new doll features design elements intended to mirror common autistic traits, including a softer facial expression, more flexible joints, and accessories such as noise-cancelling headphones, a fidget toy and a tablet with a communication app. Mattel said the doll was developed with input from autism advocates and follows earlier releases including dolls representing blindness, Down syndrome, limb differences and diabetes.
However, the launch has drawn criticism from some members of the autistic community, who argue that the doll risks reducing a broad and varied spectrum of experiences to a narrow set of visual stereotypes. Critics say autism cannot be captured by a single look or set of behaviours, and warn against the commercialisation of neurodiversity.
Mattel has defended its approach as part of a wider effort to ensure children can see themselves represented in toys, as the company adapts its flagship Barbie brand to changing social expectations and competition from digital entertainment.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Roblox’s newly introduced age-verification system is facing criticism just days after becoming mandatory, amid reports that it is misclassifying users and can be easily fooled.
