Mattel has launched its first-ever Barbie with autism.
The doll is part of Mattel’s Fashionistas collection and was designed in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network to authentically reflect autistic experiences, from sensory sensitivities to communication tools.
Experts say the doll is a meaningful conversation starter about neurodiversity, inclusion and how autism can look different in girls.
If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum, katelyn [dot] deckelbaum
gwu [dot] edu (katelyn[dot]deckelbaum[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Ashley Darcy-Mahoney is a neonatal nurse practitioner, researcher, and educator in the GW School of Nursing. Throughout her career, she has been at the forefront of advancing nursing research, education, and practice, with a specific focus on neonatology, infant health, and developmental pediatrics.
Roy Grinker, professor of anthropology, international affairs and human sciences, is an expert on autism, mental illness and psychological anthropology in children. He completed the first-ever epidemiological study of autism spectrum disorder in South Korea and is the author of many publications, including “Unstrange Minds: Remapping the World of Autism.”
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