Imagination, Life is Representation ☆

Come on Barbie, let’s go party (info dump about our special interests).

You’ve probably already seen toy-giant Mattel’s recent release of “Autistic Barbie”. Let’s talk about it…

It feels unusual to join in with online discourse, especially as a small business discussing a mega-corporation. However, Charms by Emma is proudly Autistic-owned, so even if this perspective is just a drop in the ocean, having an opinion on representation is perfectly justified!

Firstly, it’s important to understand that every Autistic person is different. The spectrum of Autism is expansive, not linear. It would therefore be impossible for a single doll to represent the communication style, identity, interests, sensory experiences or even struggles of an entire neurotype that, at its core, is connected by individuality.

My feelings about industry-dominating companies aside, positive representation of Autism is just the beginning; in the long term, it has the direct potential to make a child or avid toy collector happy. Despite admittedly being much more of a Bratz fan growing up, I still found myself getting quite emotional seeing all the videos online of Mattel’s new addition being unboxed for the first time.

Developed with guidance from non-profit disability rights group ASAN (Autistic Self Advocacy Network).

In the spirit of representation, I thought I might as well throw my own depiction into the digital realm. So here’s the unofficial Charms by Emma Edition of Autistic Barbie (no, not using AI, just many hours of doodling on Procreate and Canva).

Yellow lenses or glasses with AR (anti-reflective) coating	Helping sensitive eyes balance intense lighting, reduce glare and filter blue light
Soft scrunchie / hair tied back	Keeping hair out of face (particularly whilst beading), reducing sensory sensitivity when trying to focus
Baggy, soft and cropped clothing	To avoid sitting on any bumpy seams (‘The Princess and the Pea’ often comes to mind). Elasticated cuffs also help to keep clothing in place and avoid sensory issues when concentrating
Sunflower lanyard	To signal hidden disabilities and health conditions when travelling or in busy public spaces, indicating a potential need for a bit of extra time, patience, space, assistance or understanding
Loop earplugs	Reduce intense or unwanted noise to avoid sensory overwhelm
Radar key	For people with disabilities or health conditions that may require independent access to nearby public toilets
‘Froger’ The Frog	A microwaveable frog, who definitely doesn’t look as green and fluffy anymore, to help with temperature regulation and PCOS pain…and for when I simply can’t be bothered filling a hot water bottle Research is still ongoing, but studies suggest that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a condition that is actually more common in Autistic people who menstruate
Durable phone charm	Custom-made with multi-textured beads for fidgeting at home and on the go
Crocs with crystal charms	Crocs for comfort… and crystal charms for a shameless self plug

Nonetheless, it’s unfortunate to have seen Barbie’s new release be publicly criticised. Of course it’s understandable that some may not feel validated by this particular representation, but by contributing to any existing backlash or criticism, such an influential company (driven largely by profit) would likely just shut more doors to further depictions of lived autistic experiences. Sure, it may be “just a doll”, but it also symbolises potential. Let them play!