New autistic Barbie doll encourages inclusion and representation 

Earlier this month, Mattel announced the release of the first autistic Barbie doll created, “with guidance from the autistic community to represent common ways autistic people may experience, process, and communicate about the world around them.” 

Brianna Anderson (they/them), professor and coordinator of the Autism and Behavioural Science program, who also teaches in the Bachelor of Behavioural Psychology program, is available to provide expertise on how the creation of this new Barbie doll marks a meaningful advancement in the positive representation of neurodivergent individuals within the toy industry. 

“For many autistic individuals, this will be the first time they see themselves reflected on toy shelves,” says Anderson. “This doll not only encourages inclusion and representation but also serves an educational purpose for children who aren’t on the autism spectrum, helping them learn about different identities and normalizing tools like Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, noise-cancelling headphones and sensory/stim toys.” 

Anderson is a PhD candidate in Child and Youth Studies at Brock University, and they focus on obsessive-compulsive behaviours in autistic children. They are also a Registered Behaviour Analyst with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario.