The first Barbie doll imitating a person with autism has been released in the USA

The American company Mattel, which manufactures Barbie dolls, has released a toy that mimics a person with an autism spectrum disorder. This was reported on January 12 by The Guardian newspaper.

"Mattel is releasing its first Barbie doll with autism. This novelty <...> is designed to help more children "see themselves in Barbie" and encourage all children to play with dolls that reflect the world around them," the publication says.

It clarifies that the doll's eyes are slightly shifted to the side, and this reflects how people with this disorder avoid direct eye contact. In addition, she is also dressed in loose clothing in order to minimize the contact of the fabric with the "skin".

Jamie Saigelman, head of Mattel's global doll division, stressed that such steps by the company are "another confirmation of the company's commitment to the principles of representativeness and inclusivity."

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Last July, The Guardian reported that Mattel had released the first doll with type I diabetes. According to the publication, the new doll was developed in partnership with the global non-profit organization for type I diabetes Breakthrough T1D and wore a continuous glucose monitor on her arm to help her control sugar, it was fixed with a medical patch in the shape of a heart.

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