Autistic Barbie
Comments
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They are to be discussing this on BBC Radio Scotland now, I am going to have listen. Is it a good idea, or just enforcing stereotypes they are asking.
The doll isn't making eye contact, has big headphones on, has a fidget spinner ( pink of course).
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It also has flat feet and extra joints in the hands. Woman saying it is just marketing, if they were serious, the doll would be in pyjamas or trackie bottoms etc.
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Interestingggg thanks for sharing @Chris75_ I hadn't seen this!!
As for the actual product though… something just doesn't sit right with me and honestly I don't know why.
It just feels … Bleh. I kind of get it and understand the attempt but I don't think I like it!! The extra hand joint for hand flapping and off-centre eyes so it can avoid eye contact just feels a bit…
Also ignoring how I feel as an autistic person, from a child development stand point what happened to imagination???
Sell barbies with flat feet (at last!!! what was with the heel obsession??), sell them with headphones and whatever accessories you like, but determining this one has autism is just weird to me.
If I had a kid that was autistic I wouldn't be buying them an 'autistic barbie'. All barbies can be autistic.
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ah an autistic themed doll will generate more income for the company as a whole than a pair of headphones its all about the money like most things in life
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I thought i mentioned it @Biblioklept, but one caller said similar to you. When she was a lass, all her dolls were autistic, just like her.
One mum was indignant about the eye contact thing, as neither her two autistic sons displayed that trait.
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Yep definitely, it's so sad really but everything is about money!
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I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking it!! What happened to imagination now days 😓
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Most callers were either strongly against, or had reservations. I think it's cashing in, myself.
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This one is really tough. I agree with a lot of the comments on here. But part of me also hopes this is a step in the right direction - a start. 😊
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I don't think autism can be defined by how someone looks. Often it is an invisible disability. When I worked with children living with autism in a middle school SEN unit you could not tell who had what conditions from school photographs. Only one child used headphones all the time.
@Biblioklept I'm with you on this product.
It really seems like a money-making idea to me, as many of you have said.
The flat shoes is a good idea, for anyone.
My favourite comment was the person who said "all her dolls were autistic, just like her".
I suppose the bottom line is we don't have to buy these things…and I wouldn't buy this one.
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A fantastic perspective @Delphi. Autism is so diverse and I feel like the doll is focusing too much on one stereotype. I've also worked with children with autism but in a mainstream school. I really miss it but I'm glad to still be helping people here.
As you say, people have the choice to buy things if they want them, and for some children this could be perfect. It's good that toy makers are beginning to be more inclusive but I think we have a long way to go.
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That comment about all the dolls having autism, just like her; it was made by a caller to the radio programme. It made sense to me also.
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My dolls weren't autistic, I didn't even know autism existed when I was a kid as I was diagnosed as an adult, but my toys were all like me and liked maths and science, were socially awkward and shy, enjoyed cleaning, sorting and organising things, followed set routines and … oh.
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I think its just a stunt but if it makes any kids feel seen or represented then I’m ok with it ❤️
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