https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd6w2xdww11o
What do you see in the picture? What do you think is interesting about this doll? What do you think the story might be about?
Mattel are launching a new Barbie doll this week. It is a doll with a difference, looking at the doll and what she is holding/ wearing, can you guess what this doll's difference is?
This is an autistic Barbie.
What is autism?
A Y6 child at a school in Birmingham who lives with autism explains what it is:
"Autism is a neuro diverse condition that affects how someone sees the world. Plenty of autistic people have what is known as a "sensory profile" which regards the 5 senses; some stimulate them and some overwhelm them. Autism can also be an intellectual disability that may make someone non-verbal. They can also stim, which is where they do an action repeatedly."
What does sensory mean?
If you live with autism, would you add anything else to that description?
Autism is a form of neuro-divergence that affects around one in one hundred children in the world today. There is not one way to be autistic and children who have autism have characteristics that vary according to the individual.
Are all autistic people the same?
The doll has design choices that reflect experiences to which autistic children might relate, including lose clothing to ensure less fabric to skin contact and different eye focus. The doll can move their wrists in a flapping motion and they also have ear defenders. The doll also comes with a pink fidgit spinner to reduce stress
What are ear defenders?
What is a fidget spinner?
Mattel asked Penelope, a 5 year old child with autism, to help the design and it was her idea to include ear defenders to reduce sensory overload. Mum says, "Penelope uses ear defenders so to see that on a doll really made her feel special. Until now there was just nothing out there to represent what autistic children experience.
Why does Mum want Penelope to see an autistic doll?
The aim is for children to "see themselves in Barbie and to encourage all children to play with toys that reflect the world around them." Campaigners have called the doll a "milestone in representation."
What does that mean, what is representation?
However, some people in the autistic community are unhappy with the doll. There has been a lot of debate online with one person said, "Autism is not how you look, it's how you are."
What does that mean?
How would you respond to that criticism?
Another responded by saying, "I like it a lot. To me it doesn't imply that autism is how you look, I think it's just a Barbie that is equipped with the tools she needs. Just like a career Barbie is equipped with the tools they need."
Can you see both sides of this argument?
What do you think?
Why do you think Mattel chose to make the fidget spinner and headphones pink? Is that a problem?
Why is this story about No Outsiders?
Which British Value is this about?
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