We are proud to share that our very own SEU Link alumna, Aarushi Pratap, was recently featured in the launch of the first-ever autistic Barbie doll by Mattel, Inc. Aarushi is a Barbie Role Model on the new doll’s advocacy team, representing the autistic community through her work as a fashion designer and visual artist.
Championing Authentic Autism Representation
Aarushi will serve as a spokesperson for press and public-facing opportunities related to the autistic Barbie, such as engaging with media outlets from around the world, sharing her lived experience, and helping amplify conversations around authentic autism representation.
She was featured in the launch video for the new Barbie on Mattel’s YouTube channel alongside other prominent autism advocates, including creative entrepreneur Madison Marilla from Netflix’s “Love on the Spectrum.”
“This Barbie can help autistic people feel understood,” emphasized Aarushi. “We can do amazing things, and I want others like me to feel proud and express themselves.”
Designing With Purpose: Fashion as Advocacy
Over the past several years, Aarushi’s work as a fashion designer and autism advocate have allowed her story and voice to reach a wider audience. She has showcased her work at New York Fashion Week, designed for the Special Olympics, and has been recognized globally for redefining fashion through a neurodivergent, sensory-sensitive lens. As one of very few autistic fashion designers working professionally at this level, Aarushi naturally aligned with Barbie’s vision of authentic representation.
Barbie has also fueled Aarushi’s artistry. “All kinds of Barbie movies inspired me — seeing the fabrics, colors, and details helped shape the designer I am today,” she commented.
Aarushi is a graduate of SEU Link, our inclusive, post-secondary education program focused on increasing independence and employability in young adult students with a specific Intellectual Disability Diagnosis.
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Aarushi Pratap’s Story
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