Toymaker Mattel on Tuesday introduced a new model of the Barbie doll with trisomy 21, some of the physical characteristics associated with the genetic disorder, in partnership with the American Association for Endocrinology.
“Our goal is to connect all children with Barbie,” Barbie brand manager Lisa McKnight said in a statement.
In partnership with the National Down Syndrome Society (NTSS), an organization dedicated to people with Down syndrome, the new version of the Barbie series is available online and will be in stores this summer.
The doll is smaller than the average Barbie, with an elongated torso compared to the rest of the body, small ears, a flat nose bridge, and almond-shaped eyes, characteristics commonly seen in people with Down syndrome.
Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, is a congenital chromosomal condition that results from the presence of an extra chromosome in the 21st pair (out of a total of 23).
In addition to physical symptoms, it usually produces mild to moderate intellectual disability.
After decades of proposing, with a few exceptions, a white and blonde Barbie, in recent years Mattel has expanded its openings to diversify the popular doll’s profile.
In early 2016, the Californian company specifically introduced “round”, “small” and “large” versions of Barbie. Mattel now claims 175 different models of Barbie.
Mattel’s toy division’s revenue fell 9% in 2022, mainly due to slower sales of its Barbie and American Girl and Spirit lines.
