She’s just autistic Barbie – let children play | Letters
Of course one doll cannot show the breadth, richness and even pain of the autistic experience, says Dr Erin BeestonAs the parent/carer of autistic children, I’m pleased that my kids have...
By Guardian Staff · The Guardian Opinion
Of course one doll cannot show the breadth, richness and even pain of the autistic experience, says Dr Erin Beeston As the parent/carer of autistic children, I’m pleased that my kids have more visibility in mainstream culture with the launch of the “autistic Barbie” doll ( Mattel launches its first autistic Barbie, 12 January ). For the kids, they’re interested, but, given my youngest’s penchant for graffiti, “autistic Barbie” will be drawn all over and resemble “ weird Barbie ” in no time. I’ve found it hard to share this pleasure, having seen my academic and activist colleagues slam the doll. I completely understand their reasoning. Of course it lacks nuance to use visible accessories to represent a hidden disability. Of course one doll cannot show the breadth, richness and even pain of the autistic experience. Continue reading...