So, Barbie have released an ‘autistic’ doll. Her gaze is slightly off centre, she has ear defenders and a fidget toy.

But why is this important?

Because it’s representation.

I’ve seen a side of the conversation that says this is a bad idea, that what should have happened is the accessories be made available to use on any Barbie. The reason for this is because it’s often an invisible disability.

Here’s why I don’t like this take as an autistic adult who’s also blind. (There’s also a Blind Barbie)

First disability isn’t a costume, making the disability aid an accessory speaks to a societal view of disability. That one just has these aids as a gimmick. We see this at Halloween, when people dress up as disabled people or people with visible differences.

Second the Autistic Barbie is made with Autistic people in mind. They were the first thought when designing it. The original Barbie doesn’t represent most people, so to have a Barbie that in a tiny way looks like the person who plays with it makes the individual feel seen. They thought of YOU. In a world where disabled people are so often an afterthought. Being seen and represented in such a positive way is positive.

Most of the conversation against the Autistic Barbie is parents of Autistic children. Which is fine in theory. But when Autistic adults are telling you that they are happy with a piece of media or a toy, it’s so important that they are LISTENED TO. Disabled people live with their disability every single day. They understand more than anyone how the world does and doesn’t work for them.

Parents, with all the love in the world, observe life through an outside perspective of disability. Close and emotional, but not the same. In addition, parent perspective can often be centred around care responsibilities, their feelings and fears about the future and present day struggles of raising a disabled child. Which cannot be understated. All of these things are valid, but it’s really important that that does not overshadow the views and opinions of disabled people themselves. Historically, this has taken away autonomy and dignity from disabled people, something we never should go back to.

Disabled people are so often spoken about. So when we are telling you that something is good and a positive representation – listen. Of course I appreciate not everyone can speak for themselves, but when the majority of disabled people are telling you something is good, please believe them.