b'FEATUREher creative process, shaping decisions about fit, ADVOCACY fabric weight, and movement.Prataps work brings function and beauty together, challenging conventional ideas about what high fashion looks like and who it is designed for.SENSORY-INCLUSIVE DESIGN AND REPRESENTATIONThatperspectivecloselyalignswiththeintent behind the new autistic Barbie. The doll features alavender-and-whitepinstripeddresswitha relaxed fit and ruffled hem, paired with flat purple shoes designed for comfort and stability.More Than a Doll Pratappointedtothedollsaccessoriesas especially meaningful.Shehasnoise-cancelingheadphonesanda communication tablet to help her communicate, Pratap says.SEU Link Graduate Featured in The flexible joints at the elbows and wrists allows Launch of Autistic Barbie the Barbie to have a wider range of movement, and a hot pink fidget spinner is included to help withself-regulationandstressmanagement. by SHAYLYNN MARKS Each element reflects the diversity of needs and experiences within the autism community.While Pratap did not design the doll herself, she served as a role model and advocate throughout W hen she was a child, Aarushi Pratap spentshe describes it as an essential part of how shethe launch process, sharing her lived experience hoursplayingwithBarbiedolls,imaginingthinks, creates, and experiences the world. andhelpingamplifyconversationsaround storiesandworldsofherown.WhatsheAutism is my superpower. Its not a disability, sheauthentic autism representation. never saw reflected back at her, however, wassays. Mattel partnered with the Autism Self Advocacy herself. Network over an 18-month period to develop the When I was a kid, I played with Barbie dolls, andFASHION AS COMMUNICATION AND SELF- doll, working closely with autistic advocates to IalwayswishedtherewasanautisticBarbie,EXPRESSION ensure the design reflected real needs rather than Pratap says. Fashion,inparticular,becameoneofPratapsstereotypes.That wish became a reality earlier this year whenmost powerful outlets. After receiving a sewingFor Pratap, being selected as a Barbie role model Mattellauncheditsfirst-everautisticBarbie,machineforher14thbirthday,shebeganwasdeeplypersonal.Asachild,shewatched selecting Pratap, a fashion designer, visual artistexperimentingwithfabrics,silhouettes,andBarbiemoviesrepeatedlyanddrewinspiration and autism advocate, as one of the role modelstextures, teaching herself how clothing could tellfromtheelaborategowns,colorsandfantasy featuredinthedollsdebut.FortheSEULinka story. worlds they portrayed. Seeing autism represented graduate,themomentmarkedmorethanawithin that same universe felt both validating and professional milestone. It represented a culturalHerdesignsareoftenornateandcolorful,overdue.shift toward visibility, understanding, and inclusioninfluencedbyfantasy,historicalgarments,andIt was my dream come true, she says. I felt really for autistic people. her cultural heritage. accepted and excited.ThisBarbiecanhelpautisticpeoplefeelThat influence was on display at New York FashionEDUCATION AND SELF-ADVOCACYunderstood, she says. I want autistic people toWeek 2025, where Pratap debuted her collection feel seen and included. Storied Roots. The collection drew directly fromPratap is a graduate of Southeastern Universitys her family history, transforming traditional IndianLinkprogram,aninclusivepostsecondary FINDING A VOICE THROUGH CREATIVITY silks into contemporary couture.educationinitiativedesignedtosupportyoung Pratap, who now lives in Tampa, was diagnosedI used my grandmas old saris from India to createadultswithintellectualdisabilities.Duringher withautismattheageof2andexperiencedflamboyant and luxurious dresses, she said. time in the program, she completed internships, challengeswithspeechandcommunicationself-advocacycoursework,andworkreadiness growingup.CommunicationdidnotalwaysAtthesametime,herworkisgroundedintraining. come easily, and traditional modes of expressionpracticality.Asanautisticdesigner,PratapisSEU helped me grow and advocate for myself, often felt limiting. Over time, creativity becameacutelyawareofhowclothingfeelsontheshe says.her primary language, using it as a way to translatebody.Sensorycomfortplaysacentralrolein thoughtsandemotionsthatweredifficulttoCONTINUED ON PAGE 18articulate verbally.ArtandfashionofferedPratapameansofIt was mydreamcome true. connection,allowinghertoexpressherself visuallyandbuildrelationshipsonherownI felt reallyacceptedandexcited .terms. That creative outlet also shaped how she Aarushi Pratapunderstands her own identity. Rather than viewing autism through a medical or deficit-based lens, 12 | CFHN centralfloridahealthnews.com'